Galvez to MILF: Probe Basilan clash amid death of 2 soldiers

Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito Galvez Jr. on Thursday called on the leadership of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) to conduct a probe into the Basilan clash that left two soldiers dead.

Galvez said the encounter took place on Wednesday while troops from the 32nd Infantry Battalion were providing security to United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) personnel involved in a peace and development project in Barangay Lower Cabengbeng, Sumisip, Basilan.

Two soldiers were killed and 12 others were wounded in the encounter with two armed groups. One of the two groups is allegedly linked to the MILF.

“We also call on the leadership of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front to conduct its investigation and help bring the perpetrators to justice,” Galvez said in a statement.

He said concerned government agencies are deploying peace mechanisms such as the Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities, the Joint Peace and Security Committee, the Ad Hoc Joint Action Group, and Joint Peace and Security Teams to de-escalate tensions on the ground.

The armed groups also burned a military truck, according to a report on GMA Integrated News’ Unang Balita on Thursday.

The wounded soldiers were brought to a hospital in Lamitan City.

“We are reassuring the people of Basilan of the government’s commitment to peace, justice, and security,” said Galvez.

The Joint Task Force Orion also called on the MILF to take action on the incident. 

“I urge the MILF leadership to take immediate and decisive action against those responsible for this atrocity. Such attacks not only undermine or hard-won peace but also jeopardize the integrity of the ongoing peace process,” said Commander Major General Leonardo Peña. 

“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 UNDP for community engagement in the area,” UN Philippines Resident Coordinator Gustavo Gonzalez said in a statement.

“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," he added.

Lawless elements

101IB commander Brigadier General Alvin Luzon said the troops encountered gunfire from lawless elements led by Najal Buena and Oman Hajal Jalis, who are notorious for involvement in violent conflicts (rido) in the area.

The troops then disembarked and rushed toward the source of the fire to investigate.

“Tragically, another armed group—allegedly affiliated with the MILF—opened fire, resulting in an armed encounter, raising significant concerns about their role in fostering peace and stability. The clash led to the tragic loss of two soldiers' lives and left twelve others injured,” he added.

Lieutenant General Antonio Nafarrete, head of the Western Mindanao Command, said the military will go after the perpetrators behind the attack.

“Our forces will hunt down the perpetrators and put a stop to their violent criminal acts that create havoc in the peaceful communities and endanger the lives of our soldiers and innocent civilians,” he said.

“Rest assured that your armed forces remain dedicated to fulfilling our sworn duty to protect the people and the state,” he added.

Meanwhile, Philippine Army chief Lieutenant General Roy Galido said the military is coordinating with local governments and law enforcement agencies to capture the perpetrators.

“As part of our firm resolve to sustain the hard-earned peace and progress in Basilan, we are working closely with local government units and law enforcement agencies to ensure that the perpetrators of this treacherous act face the full consequences of their actions and justice be served to our fallen heroes,” Galido said.

The officials expressed sadness over the incident and extended their condolences to the families of the deceased soldiers. —with Vince Angelo Ferreras/VAL/VBL, GMA Integrated News