PH troops being used as ‘cannon fodder’

In a bloody incident alarmingly reminiscent of the Mamasapano debacle last year, 18 government troopers were recently massacred by the Abu Sayyaf on Tipo-Tipo, Basilan island while on the hunt for one of America’s “most wanted.” This latest military disaster came as the country celebrated Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor), a public holiday honoring its war veterans.

According to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), about 120 Abu Sayyaf fighters ambushed soldiers from the 44th Infantry Battalion during a planned assault against the terror group. “They were ambushed as they were on their way to execute their mission,” the military spokesman said, adding that the Abu Sayyaf also beheaded four soldiers involved in the clash.