By Hader Glang
ZAMBOANGA CITY
President Benigno S. Aquino III used a live television broadcast Friday night to ask his countrymen to “fight for peace” in tribute to the 44 Philippine police commandos killed in an operation last month in the country's south.
“To those who are with us in the pursuit of peace we are determined to continue the fight,” Aquino said.
“And I say to those opposed to our objective, especially those who resort to violence: 'Mark my words, you will feel the sharpened and strengthened might of a unified Filipino nation.'"
He underlined that it was peace that the Special Action Forces (SAF) were fighting for when they died in a shootout while attempting to arrest Malaysian bomb-maker Zulkifli bin Hir, alias Marwan.
"This is what every decent Filipino who wishes to leave behind a better future for coming generations continues to fight for. Through solidarity and partnership, we can attain justice, pay tribute to the sacrifices of our policemen, and turn our collective dreams into reality.”
The operation saw around 400 police commandos descend on the southern province of Maguindanao, only to run into suspected Moro Islamic Liberation Front and Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters.
The government and MILF signed a peace deal last year with the aim of granting greater autonomy to the Muslim-majority provinces in the southern Philippines, ending a decades-long insurgency that has seen 120,000 people killed.
The suspected involvement of MILF in the deaths, however, had threatened to derail the peace process.
The president reaffirmed his trust in MILF as a peace partner in Friday's speech, and stated that he expected them to assist in the capture of "terrorist" Basit Usman -- who appears to have escaped the Maguindanao carnage.
Aquino also lauded moves by MILF to contain BIFF -- who have vowed to disrupt the peace process -- as a good first step after the incident in Mamasapano, Maguindanao.
"To the members and leadership of the MILF: From the onset, I have considered you brothers on the path to peace. Until now, I am confident that you will help us in seeking justice; that those who have done wrong should be held to account, especially if it is confirmed that there were SAF troopers who were executed despite being wounded and defenseless," he said, calling efforts to limit the movement of BIFF "a good first step.”
Aquino, however, remained firm on the continuing hunt for Usman.
"If he remains within your territory, or is protected by one of your members, we expect you to surrender him to the authorities,” he said. “If not, we expect you to do everything you can to help capture him. And if even this is not possible, do not interfere with our pursuit.”
He stated that the army would get its man.
"We will get Usman, whatever you decide, regardless of who provides a safe haven for him, regardless of where he may be hiding,” Aquino said. “Let no one doubt: We are partners in pursuing peace and justice. To those who have lost their way, who would still stand in our way, remember this: You are fighting the State, and we will run you over.”
Aquino underlined that while the country would continue to push for peace, accountability for the incident will also be exacted.
“Like you, I want to know the whole truth behind this incident, and I have complete confidence that the truth will be uncovered through the comprehensive and unbiased investigation of the Board of Inquiry. We are awaiting its results,” he said.
“I assure you: We are doing everything to uncover the truth. The report that will emerge from this investigation will provide invaluable lessons, to ensure such a tragedy will never happen again. There will be changes."
