Aquino to address nation on Maguindanao carnage

MANILA, Philippines – President Benigno Aquino III will give a statement on the “misencounter” in Maguindanao, which left many members of the police Special Action Force dead.

Based on his schedule, Aquino will deliver a “message to the nation” on Wednesday at 6:30 p.m.

Presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda, however, declined to comment on the issue, and said they are still waiting for the results of an inquiry.

At least 44 members of the SAF were killed on Sunday during a clash with members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters. The group of 392 SAF members were supposed to serve warrants of arrest on BIFF men and Malaysian suspected terrorists when they encountered the MILF in Mamasapano town.

There has been no announcement on a possible national day of mourning but Lacierda said Aquino “has instructed the DILG (Department of Interior and Local Government) and PNP (Philippine National Police) to study all options to honor the fallen heroes of the Mamasapano Incident.”