In a tragic incident in Sumisip, Basilan, a confrontation between military forces and lawless groups, supported by some members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), resulted in the deaths of four individuals, including two soldiers, and left twelve others wounded. The clash occurred around 4 p.m. on Wednesday in Barangay Lower Cabengbeng, as reported by Brig. Gen. Alvin Luzon, commander of the Army’s 101st Infantry Brigade.
The soldiers involved were from the 32nd Infantry Battalion, and the injured were promptly transported to Lamitan City District Hospital and subsequently to Camp Navarro General Hospital in Zamboanga City. The military personnel were on a mission to secure United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) staff who were working on a peace and development project in the area when the attack occurred.
According to Luzon, the assailants were led by notorious figures Najal Buena and Oman Hajal Jalis, known for their involvement in local family feuds. The involvement of MILF members in the attack has raised serious concerns about their commitment to peace and stability in the region. Additionally, the attackers destroyed a KM450 military vehicle.
The UNDP team was in the midst of a validation mission, aiming to engage local communities in livelihood initiatives as part of their project from January 21 to 24. This mission was coordinated through the Joint Peace and Security Committee (JPSC) and the Joint Normalization Committee (JNC), with the backing of local leaders.
Luzon condemned the incident and urged the MILF leadership to take swift action against the members involved, emphasizing that their participation undermines the peace agreement and jeopardizes normalization efforts. He stressed the importance of accountability to maintain trust and the integrity of the peace process.
Basilan Governor Hadjiman Hataman-Salliman also denounced the attack, attributing it to misguided MILF elements intent on disrupting the province’s peace. He expressed condolences to the families of the deceased soldiers and support for those injured. The governor called for cooperation between the MILF leadership, security forces, and local residents to prevent future incidents and maintain vigilance.
The Philippine Army and the Philippine National Police have vowed to pursue justice for the fallen soldiers and ensure the perpetrators face consequences. PA chief Lt. Gen. Roy Galido and PNP Area Police Command for Western Mindanao chief Lt. Gen. Bernard Banac condemned the attack, describing it as a disrespectful act against the people of Basilan and their pursuit of peace. Police forces have been mobilized to apprehend the suspects.