The Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU) has issued a strong condemnation of the recent attack on government forces in Basilan, which resulted in the death of two soldiers and injuries to twelve others. The incident occurred on Wednesday afternoon, disrupting the peace that the region has been striving to maintain.
OPAPRU Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. described the attack as a ‘cowardly act’ carried out by lawless individuals intent on sabotaging the peace process in Basilan. The attack took place while soldiers from the 32nd Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army were securing a peace and development project led by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Barangay Lower Cabengbeng, Sumisip town.
Expressing his condolences, Secretary Galvez extended his sympathies to the families of the soldiers who lost their lives in the line of duty, emphasizing their sacrifice for the cause of peace.
In response to reports suggesting involvement of some Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) members in the attack, Galvez urged the MILF to conduct a thorough investigation and assist in bringing the perpetrators to justice.
Reaffirming the government’s dedication to peace, justice, and security in Basilan, Galvez announced the immediate deployment of various peace mechanisms. These include 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. These efforts are aimed at reducing tensions and enabling a quick and unbiased investigation into the incident.