Philippines Honors Fallen Soldiers in Anti-Rebel Operation

On Friday the 14th, slain soldiers in a conflict with rebels forces were honored in a military ceremony.

Philippine troops and Muslim guerrillas from the Abu Sayyaf rebel group fought for eight hours in the countrys south on Wednesday the 12th. At least 53 people were killed and 20 injured.

Although the military paid a steep price, they say the operation was a success. High ranking leaders of the Abu Sayyaf group... and soldiers from the countrys largest Muslim rebel group, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, were killed in the clash.

[Lt. Col. Romeo S. Brawner, Jr., Armed Forces of the Philippines]:
"We have confirmed that some of those who were killed in the encounter are commanders and sub-commanders of the Abu Sayyaf Group. We have also some casualties of the MILF (Moro Islamic Liberation Front)."

Military officials describe the battle as the worst single engagement between Philippine troops and Abu Sayyaf rebels.

Officials were able to recover high-powered firearms, and disrupt a training base and crude bomb factory manned by the rebel group.

[Lt. Col. Romeo S. Brawner, Jr., Armed Forces of the Philippines]:
"We are continuing our military operations particularly our pursuit operations to go after the remnants of the Abu Sayyaf Group that we encountered and also mapping of our operations to make sure that the area is clear of any improvised explosive devices."

Abu Sayyaf is the smallest but the most deadly of several Muslim groups fighting for independence from the Philippines.

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