AFP probes death of 6 soldiers in Basilan

From the Sun Star-Manila (Nov 3): AFP probes death of 6 soldiers in Basilan

ARMED Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff Gregorio Catapang ordered Monday a thorough investigation into the death of six soldiers in a clash with Abu Sayyaf bandits in Basilan last weekend.

On Sunday morning, soldiers from the Army's 64th Infantry Battalion were engaged in a gunfight with at least 20 members of the Abu Sayyaf group while they were conducting a security patrol in a government road project along Sitio Mompol of Libug village, Sumisip, Basilan.

The fatalities were identified as Second Lieutenant Jun Corpuz, Sergeant Tranquilino Germo, Private First Class (Pfc) Rolando Entera Jr., Pfc. Freddie G. Pandoy, Pfc. Raffy Canuto and Pfc. Mark Anthony Singson.

AFP Public Affairs Chief Lieutenant Colonel Harold Cabunoc said majority of slain soldiers were new in the service but he assured that they received proper training prior to their deployment.

"Hindi natin pwedeng sabihin na kaya ganoon ang nangyare sakanila ay dahil mga baguhan sila, of course not, nagdaan sila sa matinding training at nag-aral ng ilang taon sa Philippine Military Academy bago sila isinabak sakanilang tungkulin," he said.

The military was verifying reports of casualties on the enemy side as the AFP claimed bloodstains were found along their escape route.

"We are now directing a conduct of investigation as to how the incident happened. I'm not saying anything as of now whether who was at fault or there were tactical lapses. What is important is the incident is being investigated," Catapang said.

Asked if the military launched an "all out war" against the Abu Sayyaf group in Basilan following the clash, Catapang said they are still studying the possibility of such considering the population in the area.

"We cannot just say outrightly there is a need, maybe, I want to talk to the people of Basilan, to the province and maybe just what like we did in Jolo, we go there talk with the cause oriented group, dialogue with them, ask them their sentiments and how we can turnaround the situation from an area that is difficult into an moro area that is peaceful and productive," he said.

The AFP chief said that there is enough force in the area to implement the anti-insurgency campaign of the government.

Catapang meanwhile said the AFP will provide financial assistance to the family of the slain soldiers.

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/manila/local-news/2014/11/03/afp-probes-death-6-soldiers-basilan-374494