GMA on Mindanao fighting: We will not let-up in our offensive

No let-up against the al'Qaeda-linked Abu Sayyaf terrorist group.

This was the declaration of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on Tuesday during a meeting of the National Security Council in Malacañang.

"We understand those who would want to halt the fighting but we should remember that there will be no security in the country if we cannot give justice to the soldiers defending our republic," Pres. Arroyo said.

She added, "We will not surrender in our struggle to give justice to our Marines, and to grant peace and prosperity to the country."

Last Saturday 15 Marines, among them five young lieutenants, were killed in fighting the Abu Sayyaf in Ungkaya Pukan. The bodies of 13 of the 15 slain soldiers arrived at Villamor Air base last night, where they received full military honors.

Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro said the President wanted the offensive to continue amid appeals by bishops to end the fighting.

The president said in a statement, "Our country is facing chaos.  We should not surrender to the enemy because of destructive and selfish politicking."

She further called on the Filipino people to remain united and not be swayed by those who seek to divide the military and the country through propaganda.