Basilan: Four people, including two soldiers, were killed while 12 others were wounded in a clash with lawless elements backed by peace spoiler members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in Sumisip, Basilan. In a statement released Thursday, Brig. Gen. Alvin Luzon, Army’s 101st Infantry Brigade commander, said the clash happened shortly after 4 p.m. Wednesday in Barangay Lower Cabengbeng.
According to Philippines News Agency, the slain and wounded soldiers were personnel of the Army’s 32nd Infantry Battalion. The wounded were taken to Lamitan City District Hospital and later to Camp Navarro General Hospital in this city. Luzon stated that the troops were providing security to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) personnel engaged in a peace and development project in the town when the clash erupted.
“While securing Barangay Lower Cabengbeng, troops encountered gunfire from lawless elements led by Najal Buena and Oman Hajal Jalis, individuals notorious for involvement in violent family conflicts (rido) in the area. Tragically, the attack was supported by some members of the MILF, raising significant concerns about their role in fostering peace and stability,” Luzon said. He reported that two lawless elements were killed during the encounter.
The lawless elements also torched one KM450 military vehicle, causing further material losses. Luzon mentioned that the UNDP personnel were conducting a validation mission and coordinating with stakeholders to engage local communities in the project modeling livelihood initiatives as part of their mission in Basilan from Jan. 21 to 24. “This mission was coordinated through the Joint Peace and Security Committee (JPSC) under the Joint Normalization Committee (JNC), with the support of the local leaders,” he added.
Condemning the incident, Luzon called on the MILF leadership to take immediate action against their members involved in the clash. He emphasized that their involvement undermines the principle of the peace agreement and threatens the progress made in normalization efforts. “Accountability is critical to maintaining trust and ensuring the integrity of the peace process,” he said. He assured that the 101IB, the provincial government, and other security agencies are fully in control of the situation.
Meanwhile, Basilan Governor Hadjiman Hataman-Salliman also strongly condemned the incident, citing that it was perpetrated by misguided MILF elements aiming to spoil or destroy the peace and tranquility of the province. “Our prayers and sympathy go to the slain soldiers, their bereaved families, and those wounded now undergoing treatment in the hospital,” he said. The governor also urged the MILF leadership in Basilan and security forces to find common ground to resolve the issue and prevent a repetition of the incident in the future. “We also call on the Basile±os to stay vigilant and sober as the authorities are in full control of the situation,” he added, emphasizing that there was no cause for alarm and that Basilan remains peaceful despite the incident.
The Philippine Army (PA) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) also condemned the attack and vowed to bring its perpetrators to justice. “As part of our firm resolve to sustain the hard-earned peace and progress in Basilan, we are working closely with local government units and law enforcement agencies to ensure that the perpetrators of this treacherous act face the full consequences of their actions and justice be served to our fallen heroes,” PA chief Lt. Gen. Roy Galido said in a statement. Galido also condoled with the families of those killed and assured full support to the wounded for their immediate recovery.
Meanwhile, PNP Area Police Command for Western Mindanao chief Lt. Gen. Bernard Banac described the incident as a “vicious gesture of disrespect” to the people of Basilan and their desire for just and lasting peace. He stated that police maneuver and territorial forces in the island province have been mobilized for pursuit operations to arrest the suspects.
