Grace Poe condemns Basilan clash

Photos show Philippine flag in half-mast inside the Armed Forces Western Mindanao Command headquarters in sympathy to the slain and wounded soldiers after heavy clashes in Basilan on Saturday. Some of the wounded soldiers recuperating at Camp Navarro hospital in Upper Calarian, Zamboanga city. Hader Glang

Calling it a "brutal murder," presidential front-runner Senator Grace Poe has condemned the Abu Sayyaf militants for the killing of 18 government soldiers in Basilan province.

In a statement issued to media outfits, Poe said: “We condemn the Abu Sayyaf and its supporters in the strongest terms for the brutal and treacherous murder of our troops who were on legitimate military operations in Basilan."

Poe said the terrorists should be immediately pursued and crushed by the full might of the military and police forces, with due regard for the safety of the innocent civilians.

She called on the public to be vigilant in reporting to authorities those groups and individuals, including public officials, who support and coddle the Abu Sayyaf and other armed groups for their selfish gains at the expense of peace and security.

"They should be exposed and answer for their criminal acts,” the senator added.

Poe urged the administration of President Benigno Aquino III to ensure that the families of the fallen heroes are given assistance.

She also urged the national government to ensure that the needs of the families of the fallen heroes are provided for immediately.

According to her, the incident should never happen again. “Once more, this incident highlights the importance of giving priority to the needs of our soldiers and policemen to prevent regrettable incidents like this.  This should never happen again."