On behalf of the men and women of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process, I extend my deepest condolences to the families of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) members who perished during the attack carried out by the ISIS-affiliated Turayfe-Dawla group in Maguindanao province.
The national government recognizes the gallantry of these former MILF combatants who stood their ground against the radical group. For us, they are heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice so that their people can live in peace.
In solidarity with the leadership of the MILF, the government will assist in every way possible the families of these slain MILF fighters. We will exert all efforts to make sure that justice will be served to the perpetrators of this dastardly act.
This recent atrocity demonstrates the brutality of these terror groups, and the violent methods they will utilize to sow fear, anger and discord among the populace. Their twisted ideology does not recognize ethnicity nor religion. They have no place in a humane, peaceful society.
As we sympathize with our Moro brothers and sisters for their loss, I would like to call on the Filipino to unite so that we can address the roots of violent extremism, and bring enduring and long-lasting peace to our nation. ###
