"I know how you feel," the Philippine president with the families of 44 policemen killed

National day of mourning in the Philippines in tribute to the 44 policemen killed Sunday in the south of the archipelago during a raid against the rebels of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). The Philippine president has gathered in front of the coffins of the victims lined up in the military base in Taguig, one of the cities that make up Metro Manila.

Benigno Aquino's father was assassinated at Manila airport in 1983, the Philippine president has assured the family that he understood their pain.

"I can tell you that I understand how you feel. I understand each family of police officers who have died during this mission, "said Benigno Aquino.

The Philippine president spoke before effondréss family

"Mr. President, we need your help to seek justice. Please, Mr. President, please, help us, "implored the young widow of a slain police officers.

The commando operation launched Sunday was to capture Zulkifli bin Hir, a Malaysian member of Jemaah Islamiyah, a group linked to Al Qaeda. But the assault conducted in an isolated locality controlled by the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) has gone wrong.

These clashes are likely to undermine the peace agreement signed there less than a year between the rebels and the Philippine government.