Aquino: I'm doing everything for Mamasapano debacle

MANILA, Philippines - After heaping criticisms over the administration's ineptitude in handling the Mamasapano debacle, President Benigno Aquino III said Tuesday that he is doing everything to address the troubles besetting the nation.

In his speech at the Ten Accomplished Youth Organizations awarding ceremony, Aquino recalled the challenges the country has faced during his term such as the 2013 Bohol earthquake, Typhoon Yolanda, and most recently, the botched police operation in Mamasapano, Maguindanao that killed 44 Special Action Force (SAF) commandos.

"Kamakailan lang, humarap muli ang sambayanan sa panibagong pagsubok bunsod ng insidente sa Mamasapano. Bilang pangulo, ginagawa ko ang lahat upang harapin at tugunan ang mga suliranin ng bansa. Madalas, binabaliwala nalang natin ang pagod at puyat," Aquino said.

In confronting every issue, Aquino said he does not let himself get swayed by emotions to avoid worsening the problem.

"Hindi ako pwedeng magpadala sa bugso ng aking emosyon dahil baka mapalala ko pa ang problema. Sa bawat pagkakataon, kailangan kong maging mahinahon at laging balikan kung para saan natin ginagawa ang lahat ng ating pagsisikap," he said.

With more than a year remaining in his term, Aquino said his administration does not intend to repeat the mistakes of the past.

"Ito nga ang tangi nating hangad: ang hindi na maulit pa ang kamalian ng nakaraan at maipamana sa susunod na salinlahi ang di hamak na mas maunlad at mas magandang Pilipinas," he said.

Aquino is facing resignation calls amid public discontent over the January 25 Mamasapano tragedy.

The president first earned the nation's ire when he failed to attend the arrival honors for the bodies of the fallen SAF troopers. He then went under fire for his alleged role in the fatal Mamasapano operation, which he has yet to fully reveal to the public.

Last week, Aquino again heaped criticisms over his perceived inappropriate remarks to the families of the slain police commandos in their meeting at Camp Crame.

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