Basilan Representative Mujiv Hataman expressed his belief that the clash in Sumisip, Basilan, on January 22, was not sanctioned by the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).
In an exclusive interview with DZRH's Dos Por Dos on Friday, Hataman said he believes MILF needs to address internal issues, particularly in their line of communication.
Furthermore, he questioned how the encounter escalated to the burning of a military truck despite the existing peace mechanism.
“Iba ang dating doon. Tingin ko hindi ‘to sanction ng MILF leadership, one thing na sure ako doon. Tingin ko lang mayroong problema na dapat internally, sa loob ng MILF, ayusin ‘yung line of communication as an organization din," said Hataman.
The lawmaker noted that there are various accounts and versions of what allegedly transpired during the clash.
One of the accounts that reached Hataman claims that it was not the MILF group that initiated the gunfire, but rather a member of a lawless group or a lawless element.
Locals were reportedly shocked by the clash, given that the province had been declared Abu Sayyaf-free.
He pointed out that it is not appropriate to draw conclusions about the encounter as the investigation is ongoing.
"Kaya mahirap maglabas nung mga conclusive statement at this point in time kasi baka hindi makakatulong doon sa fairness pati ‘yung truthfulness nung magiging resulta nung investigation," Hataman explained.
Hataman assured that the situation in Basilan is currently stable and peaceful, despite the earlier clash.
Meanwhile, authorities, along with MILF leadership, have begun their separate investigations into the incident.
Initial reports indicated that four people, including two soldiers, were killed, and 12 others were wounded in a clash with lawless elements, allegedly supported by peace spoiler members of the MILF.
The incident occurred while troops from the 32nd Infantry Battalion were securing United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) personnel involved in a peace and development project in the area.
On Thursday, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. awarded the Wounded Personnel Medal to the soldiers who were injured during the clash.
