Philippine gov't rejects resignation calls for Aquino

The Philippine government rejected calls for resignation of President Benigro Aquino III over the firefight in Maguindanao last month that resulted in the death of over 60 persons including 44 police commandos, a senior official said on Wednesday.

In an interview by local Aksyon TV, Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said Malacanang (the seat of the Presidential Palace) respects the opinion of the different sectors including the highly emotional sentiments of some groups following the incident.

"The president like everyone else wants justice for those who were affected including the more than 60 persons that died, 44 of which members of the Philippine National Police-Special Action Force (PNP-SAF)" Coloma said.

He said the president is determined to complete his mandate until June 2016 in "best way he can."

Coloma said the president at the moment is keeping silent on the issue, preferring to let the different investigations especially of the Board in Inquiry to proceed.

Catholic prelates Lipa Archbishop Ramon Arguelles and retired Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Oscar Cruz along with the Million People March had called for the resignation of Aquino in connection with the incident.