Binay urges MILF to help eliminate Abu Sayyaf

MANILA, Philippines - Vice President Jejomar Binay yesterday called on the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) to help the government in ridding Mindanao of the terrorist group Abu Sayyaf as he mourned the death of four Marines killed in a clash with the rebels in Patikul, Sulu last Sunday.

Binay, a reserve colonel of the Philippine Marines, attended the military honors for the fallen soldiers at the Marine headquarters in Taguig City.

The Vice President assured the families of the slain soldiers – Sergeant Ricardo Nacario, Corporal Dexter John Baterina, Privates Allan Bercill and Glenn Gapasin – that the Alay sa Kawal Foundation, which he chairs, will extend assistance to them.

“As for the Abu Sayyaf, the government is determined to end their activities and I hope the government can count on the MILF to assist us in this regard,” he said.

The Abu Sayyaf is notorious for kidnapping for ransom and executing members of the military by beheading.