FALLEN TROOPS IN BASILAN NATIONAL HEROES--KIKO PANGILINAN

Independent senator Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan extends his sympathies to the families and friends of the fallen troops in the latest gunfight in Basilan.

"Our men in uniform have made the supreme sacrifice for the cause of freedom and democracy. They have laid down their lives so that the peace we all aspire for can be achieved in our lifetime. We are forever grateful for their gallantry in the face of the enemies of democracy. We mourn their loss and we grieve for their families."

Pangilinan urges the government to pursue a permanent solution to armed conflict.

"This conflict has gone on too long. It's about time we face this plague and achieve lasting peace. Only when we have achieved lasting peace will their supreme sacrifice for the cause of democracy have any true meaning and value."