Nation must not deviate from real issues confronting Mindanao, says Palace

The Palace has appealed to the public for patience, following the death of 44 police commandos in Maguindanao, saying the nation has to remain focused on fighting terrorism and achieving lasting peace in Mindanao.

Communication Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. said it is not a surprise that a lot of people are showing overwhelming emotion over the death of members of the police’s Special Action Force while trying to arrest high-value terrorist suspects in Maguindanao.

However, the people should not deviate from the two main objectives of the country--neutralizing terrorists operating in the Philippines and achieving an enduring peace in Mindanao, Secretary Coloma said.

He noted that if there were lapses in the police operation in Maguindanao, the public must understand the complicated nature of such police raids.

The 44 elite police personnel who perished in the clash had done an extraordinary job and had paid the

ultimate price to keep the country safe, he said.

"Huwag naman nating tawaran ang kanilang pagsasakripisyo sa pamamagitan ng paglilihis ng atensyon doon sa mga mas mahalagang dapat pagtuunan ng pansin, at ayon nga sa aking pahayag, dalawang bagay ito: ang pagsulong ng paglaban sa terorismo at ang pagkamit ng kapayapaang pangmatagalan," Coloma added.

On Wednesday evening, President Benigno S. Aquino III made a televised address to the nation, rallying support for the peace process in Mindanao.

He maintained that despite the large number of police casualties in the Maguindanao incident, the government must be more resolute in passing the Bangsamoro Basic Law to bring peace to Mindanao.

While welcoming the inquiry to be conducted by the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), the President said he expects the organization to show its sincerity and be a real partner in the peace process.

He also promised full assistance for the families of the slain policemen.

President Aquino declared Friday (January 30) as a National Day of Mourning to honor the fallen police personnel and to show solidarity with their families.  (PCOO News Release)