The soldiers' families

ASSISTANCE: A lay minister from a Catholic parish church said he was happy to learn that the families left behind by the Fallen 44 SAF commandos are now being assisted by the government "after the noise" made by militants. But, he said, what about the bereaved families of Armed Forces soldiers killed by Muslim rebels and bandits like the Abu Sayyaf in Batanes and Jolo?

SOLDIERS. The lay minister said the total number of soldiers -- Scout Rangers, Marines, etc. -- killed in action by the rebels like the Abu Sayyaf and the MILF prior to the peace talks could exceed the number of SAF troopers killed in Mamasapano. "They must not be forgotten," he said, "simply because no one is making much noise about their families in the streets and media."