Escudero: No negotiation with Abu Sayyaf terrorists

How to achieve just and lasting peace?

Senator Chiz Escudero on Sunday said conflict will only stop if poverty in the country is addressed.

However, no mercy should be given to terrorist groups like Abu Sayyaf.

Escudero, during the vice presidential debate at the University of Santo Tomas, said there should be no negotiations with the terrorist group Abu Sayyaf.

“At para sa akin, kahirapan ang ugat ng rebelyon. Kahirapan ang ugat ng krimen,” he said.

The senator said there will be no just and lasting peace unless poverty is solved.

On Saturday, 18 soldiers from the 44th Infantry Battalion died in a clash with the Abu Sayyaf in Basilan. Reports said four of the bodies were decapitated. JE

READ: 18 soldiers dead in 10-hr clash with ASG

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