There are no words fitting to describe the loss a multitude of dedicated soldiers during a fight with Philippine terrorists Abu Sayyaf. Wednesday, the supposed short-span battle lasted for more than fifteen hours as more and more Abu Sayyaf member emerge in spite of the preparations and vast number of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. The total body count reaches 44, 23 of those from our own troops while 21 come from the opposition and a crowd of wounded from both camps. Of the 23, 20 came from the Marines, 3 from the army while two of the slain Abu Sayyaf’s are apparent leaders of the organization.

The purpose of the onslaught was to take over the militant group’s “training camp” for bomb production, a goal which the Army has fortunately achieved.

The plot becomes thicker as the vice chairman for military affairs of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Eid Kabalu claims that ten of those dead are members of the MILF group.

The Philippine Army reports three casualties from its troops, both 1st Lieutenants Dhenjun Evangelista and Chester Barela and Corporal Renato Dindin.

Casualties from the Marine battalion include Staff Sergeants: Nilo Yu, Aguido Casiano, Johnny Corpuz, Reynaldo Tojeras, Roberto Gamboa.

Sergeants: Elmer Miranda, Ramon Encila, Randy Vacaro.

Corporals: Ronald Bayos, Crisanto Simtim, Rey Guanza.

Private First Class: Richie Estrada, Daryll Dave Toroy, Ernie John Marquez

Privates: Jefferson P. Callao, Redentor Bactotoy, Enrico Roxas, Lemuel Dela Cruz, Jomar Trompeta, Elfie Igcalinos.

Meanwhile, the Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo ordered the annihilation of the Abu Sayyaf troops as said by Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro. The president has also expressed her condolences to the surviving family of the fallen soldiers. Financial help was given to both the wounded and the deceased.