Binay seeks to convene NSC

MANILA, Philippines - Vice President Jejomar Binay has sought to convene the National Security Council (NSC) to thresh out plans to resolve the conflict in Mindanao.

“We see everyday on television, hear on radio and read in the newspapers about our problems on local peace and order situation in the country. The conflict in Mindanao has turned into a national security concern already and it is just right that a meeting of the National Security Council will be conducted,” Binay said.

At least 19 soldiers were killed while 12 others were wounded when rogue elements of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) attacked a group of soldiers conducting pursuit operations against criminal elements in Al-Barka, Basilan.

This incident prompted some sectors, including former President Joseph Estrada, to urge the Aquino administration to stage an all-out war against the MILF.

Estrada said his all-out war campaign against the MILF had been successful, as his administration managed to overrun 46 MILF camps, including its biggest camp, Camp Abubakkar, in 2000.

He said his efforts against the MILF also forced then MILF chairman Hashim Salamat to flee the country.

“Unfortunately, the Arroyo administration did not continue my all-out war campaign against the MILF, which resulted to the present worst peace and order situation in Mindanao,” Estrada said.

He said it will only take the Aquino administration three months to wipe out the MILF.