MANILA, Philippines – The United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in the Philippines expressed deep sympathies for the families and those affected by the security incident in Sumisip town, Basilan province on Wednesday (Jan. 22).
In a statement, UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator Gustavo González said he is “deeply saddened” by the loss of lives during the incident and “strongly condemn” the ambush.
Armed men attacked a team of soldiers who are out on a humanitarian mission, particularly on their way to Barangay Upper Cabengbeng and other areas in Sumisip, with representatives of the U.N. to discuss potential anti-poverty projects in the area.
According to officials, two soldiers belonging to the 32nd Infantry Batallion were killed and 12 others were wounded, with initial reports stating that two attackers were also killed in the firefight.
The military also mentioned that the attackers were supported by “some members” of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), but is now collaborating with the MILF Coordinating Committees on the Cessation of Hostilities to investigate the incident.
“I strongly condemn the ambush, which occurred when members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) were on their way to escort a team from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) for community engagement in the area,” González said.
“Our efforts to reach those who need it most often require us to work in challenging and insecure environments,” he added.
“The United Nations, in close cooperation with security forces, carries out security risk assessments before undertaking missions in the Philippines. This was the first such incident involving a United Nations team since the implementation of the peace process,” González stated.
He reiterated that U.N. will continue to support peacebuilding efforts in the region, despite the attack.
“In the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), the UN supports peacebuilding efforts of national, regional and local authorities. We have made significant progress. We will stay and deliver in BARMM,” González affirmed.
