Basilan: The Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU) on Thursday strongly condemned the attack against government troops in Basilan province that killed two soldiers and wounded 12 others Wednesday afternoon. “This cowardly act was perpetrated by lawless armed men who intend to derail the peace process that Basilan is now starting to enjoy,” OPAPRU Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. said in a statement.

According to Philippines News Agency, initial reports indicated that the attack occurred as troops from the Philippine Army’s 32nd Infantry Battalion were providing security to United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) personnel engaged in a crucial peace and development project in Barangay Lower Cabengbeng in Sumisip town. Galvez expressed his deepest sympathies to the families of the fallen soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of peace.

Galvez also called on the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) to conduct an investigation and help bring the perpetrators to justice, following reports that some of its members supported the attack. “We are reassuring the people of Basilan of the government’s commitment to peace, justice, and security,” the OPAPRU chief noted.

In coordination with the Basilan provincial local government, the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police, Galvez announced the immediate deployment of all relevant peace mechanisms, including the Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities, the Joint Peace Security Committee, the Ad Hoc Joint Action Group, and Joint Peace and Security Teams, to de-escalate tensions.

“These measures aim to de-escalate tensions on the ground and facilitate a swift and impartial investigation to establish the facts and circumstances of the incident,” he added.