Four people, including two soldiers, were killed and 12 others were left wounded in a clash with lawless elements supported by peace spoiler members from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) on January 22.
According to Brig. Gen. Alvin Luzon, commander of the Army's 101st Infantry Brigade, the clash occurred at 4 p.m. in Barangay Lower Cabengbeng, where the soldiers who were killed and wounded were personnel from the Army's 32nd Infantry Battalion.
Furthermore, the group also torched a KM450 military vehicle. Two lawless elements were reportedly killed in the incident.
The military personnel were in the area providing security for United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) staff working on a peace and development project in the town when the clash broke out.
Luzon reported that the wounded were initially taken to Lamitan City District Hospital and later transferred to Camp Navarro General Hospital in this city.
"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," said Luzon.
"Tragically, the attack was supported by some members of the MILF, raising significant concerns about their role in fostering peace and stability,” he added.
Meanwhile, Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito Galvez Jr. condemned the incident, describing it as a cowardly act carried out by lawless armed men attempting to derail the peace process that Basilan is beginning to experience.
BASAHIN: Mariing kinondena ni Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. ang kamakailang pag-atake sa Basilan na ikinamatay ng dalawa at ikinasugat ng 12 na mga sundalo | DZRH News
— DZRH NEWS (@dzrhnews) January 23, 2025
📷: OPAPRU/FB pic.twitter.com/VpwQKVoN37
He then extended his sympathies to the families of the fallen soldiers, who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to peace.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP), in coordination with the provincial local government, will implement peacekeeping measures to de-escalate tensions on the ground and ensure a swift and impartial investigation to determine the facts and circumstances of the incident.
"We also call on the leadership of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front to conduct its own investigation and help bring the perpetrators to justice," said Galvez.
In conclusion, Galvez reassured the people of Basilan of the government's steadfast dedication to peace, justice, and security.
