Aquino says no to all-out war but yes to all-out justice

President Benigno S. Aquino III assured the Filipinos that the government is exerting all necessary efforts for the immediate arrest of the culprits responsible for the killing of 19 soldiers in Basilan last week as he made it clear that these efforts will not put the lives of the residents in the area in peril through the implementation of “all-out justice” instead of “all-out war” against the criminals.

In his message during a press briefing at the President’s Hall of the Malacanang Palace on Monday, President Aquino vowed to put the killers to justice and continuously attend to the needs of those people that may be affected by the operations.

“Maipapangako po namin sa inyo na sa darating na mga linggo, isa-isang mananagot ang mga criminal na ito, habang tuloy-tuloy naman ang pag-aaruga natin at pagbibigay serbisyo sa mga mamamayang maaaring maapektuhan ng sitwasyon,” the President said.

“We will not pursue all-out war… we will instead pursue all-out justice,” he stressed, pointing out the ill-effects of an all-out war on the people and the benefits of pushing for steps towards winning lasting peace.

“All-out war is indiscriminate and borne out of anger. All-out justice is sober and fair… it is based on the rule of law, and leads to lasting peace,” President Aquino continued.

He also bared the intensified operations against the criminals to serve justice for the victims and their respective families.

“I have instructed intensified operations against all these criminal elements. The mailed fist of the state will be brought to bear upon them so that justice may be served,” the President said

“There is no question that the state will find them, the only remaining question is when,” he added.

The Chief Executive also expressed sincere respect to the fallen soldiers who have offered their lives in serving the nation and the Filipino people.

“The men who sacrificed their lives in service of our people have the deepest respect of their commander-in-chief, and the utmost gratitude of the state,” President Aquino said.

“As I stood over their remains, I have a personal pledge to do all that I can, so that in the future, such sacrifices will no longer be necessary,” he said.

The President likewise noted that while there will be some who will use the incident to gain political leverage and further agitate the public, rash decisions fuelled by a thirst for vengeance can only serve to dishonor the memory of the 19 brave souls who died in the Basilan clash.

“I urge our people to keep their eye on our long-term goals…may naaalala po ba tayong magandang desisyong nagawa habang mainit ang ulo? Buhay po ang nakasalalay dito,” the President explained.

Last Tuesday, at least 19 soldiers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ (AFP) Special Action Forces were killed in a clash with Moro rebels. A survivor of the ambush said they were outnumbered and overwhelmed.