Aquino to give nationwide address after deadly Maguindanao clash

MANILA, Philippines - President Benigno Aquino III is set to address the nation on Wednesday evening following the deadly "misencounter" in Maguindanao between policemen and members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

The nationwide address scheduled for 6:30 p.m. was among Aquino's activities for Wednesday, according to the Presidential Communication Operations Office.

On Sunday, more than 40 members of the Philippine National Police (PNP-SAF) were killed in a clash with MILF fighters.

The PNP-SAF members were supposedly tasked to capture Zulkifli Abd Hir, a Malaysian bomb expert linked with the terror group Jemaah Islamiah.

Malacañang said a board of inquiry has been formed to look into the incident, which has been described as a misencounter by authorities.

The board will determine potential lapses in the operations of the PNP-SAF.