Large Loss military, Philippines Fail and Not Feared Abu Sayyaf?

The deaths of 18 Philippine soldiers in a fierce war against the Abu Sayyaf group for about 10 hours on Saturday was recorded as one of the biggest losses for the Philippine military in recent years.

Sound critical and pessimistic about the ability of the government and the Philippine military began to emerge.

"So many soldiers died in the fighting every year. Is this part of a government failure or not against the rebels, and terrorists are afraid of governments anymore ?, "said Anne Turla, leader and founder of Soldiers' Wives and Girlfriends (SWAG) Philippines.

In a fierce battle, dozens of Filipino soldiers were also wounded. While the Abu Sayyaf stronghold just five militants were killed.

Philippine military operation was launched after the rampant kidnappings of foreigners, including 10 citizens of Indonesia (citizen) since March 2016 last. To this day, 10 Indonesians were not yet released. The Philippine government also has not reported progress in the release of 10 citizen.

The Indonesian military is actually ready to release 10 Indonesians. However, the Indonesian military are prohibited from entering the Philippine area based on the constitution of the country which forbids foreign troops enter.

Philippine Armed Forces Chief of Staff, Gen. Hernando Iriberri, ordered war against the Abu Sayyaf group nonstop. Although 18 Filipino soldiers killed, General Iriberi still praised the bravery of his soldiers.

"We're mourning. The whole armed forces in mourning, "said Iriberri referring to the death of 18 soldiers in the war with the Abu Sayyaf in the village fi Baguindan, City of Tipo-Tipo.

Senators are also candidates for president of the Philippines, Grace Poe, asked for military operations against the Abu Sayyaf to the fate of civilians who are not guilty. "Terrorists should be immediately pursued and destroyed by the full force of our military forces, with due regard to the safety of innocent civilians," he said, Inquirer quoted as saying on Monday (04/11/2016).

Meanwhile, Vice President and candidate for president of the Philippines, Jejomar Binay, highlighted the problem of violence by the Abu Sayyaf group linked to the issue of poverty. "This tragedy is a reminder for us to address the problem of poverty, which is the cause of peace and order problems in Mindanao," he said.