2 soldiers, 12 others injured in MILF ambush in Basilan

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TWO government troopers were killed and 12 others were injured in an ambush staged by Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) fighters and lawless elements in Sumisip, Basilan last Wednesday afternoon while the troops were on their way to secure United Nations Development Program (UNDP) personnel.

Two of the attackers died in the ensuing firefight, which occurred a day after the 6th anniversary of the ratification of the Bangsamoro Organic Law through a plebiscite.

The law paved the way for the creation of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, one of the key points of the peace agreement signed by the government and the MILF in March 2014.

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Brig. Gen. Alvin Luzon, commander of the Army’s 101st Brigade, urged the MILF leadership to “take immediate action” against their members who figured in the attack against troops of the 32nd Infantry Battalion.

“Their participation undermines the principles 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,” said Luzon.

The incident occurred at around 4 p.m. in Lower Cabengbeng while the troops were conducting a “legitimate security operation in support of the United Nations Development Program.”

Luzon said the troops, on board a KM450 truck, were on their way to link up with UNDP personnel proceeding to the barangay to engage residents in line with the UNDP’s Project Modeling Livelihood Initiatives.

Luzon said the UNDP mission was coordinated with the MILF, through the Joint Peace and Security Committee.

He said the soldiers were initially fired upon by lawless elements led by Najal Buena and Oman Hajal Jalis who he said are “notorious for involvement in violent conflicts in the area.

“Tragically, the attack was supported by some members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, raising significant concerns about their role in fostering peace and stability,” said Luzon.

Luzon could not immediately say the number of the lawless elements and MILF members who attacked the troops.

Luzon said the fighting lasted before 5 p.m. He said soldiers withdrew to avoid escalation of the conflict with the MILF members.

The troops left behind their truck which was subsequently burned by their attackers, said Luzon.

Luzon said the UNDP personnel, around seven, did not proceed to the barangay due to the attack.  He said the ambush site was near an MILF community,

Luzon said the UNDP team was out to pursue “development projects” in the area but could not say the specifics. He said UNDP has pursued similar projects in other Basilan barangays in the past.

He said the MILF leadership should impose sanctions on their members involved in the attack.

On whether the MILF should surrender their members, Luzon said: “That’s up to them if they deem it necessary. If they want to show they are really sincere and committed to the ongoing peace process, they will do that.”

About two years ago, Luzon said MILF members also figured in a similar attack against government forces in Tipo-Tipo, also in Basilan. He said the MILF surrendered their members to authorities.

He said he was surprised over the involvement of the MILF in the attack, noting that the military has continuing peace engagements with the group.

“We’re still waiting for their answer, why? We don’t want to jump to conclusions. We want to hear (reason) from their leadership why this happened. We’ve been talking, we’ve been engaging, we have partnerships. Why did this happen?” said Luzon.

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Luzon said members of the Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities of the MILF and the government from Central Mindanao are due to visit Basilan to conduct an investigation.

Lt. Gen. Antonio Nafarette, commander of the AFP’s Western Mindanao Command, said: “Our forces will hunt down the perpetrators and put a stop to their violent criminal acts that create havoc in the peaceful communities and endanger the lives of our soldiers and innocent civilians.”

“Rest assured that your Armed Forces remain dedicated to fulfilling our sworn duty to protect the people and the state,” said Nafarrete.

Luzon condemned the attack even as he paid tribute to the bravery and professionalism of the troops.

“Their sacrifices underline our commitment to upholding peace and protecting the people of Basilan,” said Luzon.

“To the people of Basilan, we assure you that this incident is isolated and the province remains peaceful and secure. The 101st Infantry Brigade, the provincial government of Basilan, and other security agencies fully control the situation. We will continue working tirelessly to protect the community and support development initiatives,” said Luzon.

Army chief Lt. Gen. Roy Galido also condemned the attack, saying: “We deeply condole with the families of those who died and we enjoin the nation to honor their ultimate sacrifice while securing the people of Basilan.”

Galido said “prompt and full support” will be provided to the wounded personnel for their immediate recovery.

“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,” said Galido.

PEACE MECHANISMS

The government is deploying all relevant peace mechanisms to look into the attack and urged the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) to conduct its probe and help bring the perpetrators to justice.

Presidential Peace and Unity Adviser Carlito Galvez Jr., in a statement, condemned the attack in Basilan which resulted in the death of two soldiers and injured 12 others.

Reports said MILF members may be involved in the attack.

“This cowardly act was perpetrated by lawless armed men who intend to derail the peace process that Basilan is now starting to enjoy. The incident occurred while troops from the 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, Sumisip, Basilan,” he said.

He sent his sympathies to the families of the fallen soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of peace.

Galvez said the government remains committed to pursuing peace, justice, and security on the ground.

He said that in coordination with the Provincial Local Government, the AFP and the PNP, the Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH), the Joint Peace Security Committee the Ad Hoc Joint Action Group (AHJAG, and Joint Peace and Security Teams would help conduct a swift and impartial investigation on the Basilan clash. – With Jocelyn Montemayor 

The peace bodies would also help de-escalate tensions on the ground.

Galvez also called on the MILF leadership to conduct its investigation and help bring the perpetrators to justice.

Bangsamoro Chief Minister Ahod Ibrahim, in a statement, said the Bangsamoro Government is deeply saddened by the unfortunate encounter.

He said it was disheartening that the incident happened during the weeklong celebration of the 6th Foundation Anniversary of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) which symbolizes the unity, peace, and progress in our region.

“We urge all parties to remain calm as we work towards addressing this incident through appropriate channels. The Bangsamoro Government strongly believes that the established mechanisms within the peace process, such as the Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities and the Ad Hoc Joint Action Group, are the best platforms to investigate and resolve this matter,” he added.

Ibrahim said the Bangsamoro Government remains steadfast in its commitment to the full implementation of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) and all its provisions, including those outlined in the Annex on Normalization.

He said this commitment is the foundation of the Bangsamoro’s aspiration for genuine and lasting peace in the region.

“As we move forward, we call on everyone to stay vigilant and exercise restraint, avoiding actions or statements that may exacerbate tensions. Let us continue to uphold the principles of dialogue, mutual respect, and cooperation as we work together towards sustaining the peace that we have collectively built,” he added.

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