DAVAO CITY — Governor Mujiv Hataman of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao condemned the attack believed to be staged by the Abu Sayyaf Group in Basilan that left 18 soldiers dead on Saturday.
“We mourn the death of the 18 soldiers, eight of whom hail from the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, who lost their lives during an encounter with the Abu Sayyaf in Tipo-Tipo, Basilan, last Saturday,” Hataman said in a statement.
“We also pray for the recovery of the more than 50 soldiers who were wounded in the same encounter,” the governor added.
Calling the attack an act of cowardice committed by a terror group, Hataman said that he was grieving with the families of those who were killed.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with our soldiers and their families, and in this time of mourning we would like to express our deepest condolences to those who have lost their loved ones to an act of cowardice committed by a terror group that has brought nothing to our shores but death and grief,” Hataman said.
However, Hataman said that the recent tragedy was another reminder for the government and the people to work harder to achieve peace in the region.
“What happened is a tragedy that once again reminds us that there are those who among us who still tread the path of terror, and those who would stop at nothing to breed hatred and suffering among our people. But we will not succumb to their mindless provocation, and we will continue to tread the path of peace as we work harder to bring justice to the people of our region,” he said.
“We will not cease in our efforts towards peace and we condemn this act that betrays our faith and our values — an act to which we will respond with justice swiftly and rightfully served,” Hataman said. SFM