ZAMBOANGA CITY - In her visit to Jolo, capital town of Sulu province Monday, US ambassador to the Philippines Kristie Kenney extended her condolences to the families of the 23 soldiers killed during the clash by the military and Abu Sayyaf bandits in Tipo-tipo town in Basilan province last week.

Kenney admitted she worries for the safety of everybody in Mindanao. She said the tragic death of the 23 soldiers reminds everyone that we all live in a very dangerous world.

Kenney said the soldiers are doing important work - to keep people safe.

Although also worried for the US forces in Mindanao, Kenney said, all military outfits take precaution all the time. But US forces, she said, is not in combat so their safety is less threatened compared to Filipino soldiers.

Meanwhile, Kenny reiterated her support to peace talks by the Philippine government with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

In an interview in Jolo, Kenney said that every time there is a conflict, it is the innocent civilians who suffer and are most affected.

She said that any government can look to reduce conflicts to enable development whether through peace talks or by enhancing economic opportunities. She said she believes this will help to stop the conflict particularly in the southern part of the Philippines.

Kenney said she hopes Mindanao residents will finally achieve peace. And while the military is doing their job to protect the people, she said it must also do it side by side with developmental projects for the civilian populace.

Get involved

Meanwhile Kenney also said that the election period is a great time for Filipinos to get interested and involved.

Months before, she said, Filipinos must think about what they like to see and the kind of leader they want and think about the issues that matter.

Kenney said the election period is also a good time for every citizen to focus on social and economic issues.

Kenney added however that what is more important is to register to vote and show up to vote.

Kenney also urged media practitioners to come up with non-biased reporting.

Media plays an important role so people will know about the issues that would help them think carefully for them to make the right decision on election day, said the US envoy.