CHR condemns armed clash in Basilan

The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) on Friday condemned the recent Basilan crash which led to the death of two soldiers and injuries to 12 others.

According to a statement on Friday, the CHR said that the attack led to tragic loss, injury and displacement of families that further enhanced hardships in affected communities.

“The Commission underscores that all parties to a conflict—including both state and non-state armed groups—are bound by international human rights and humanitarian law to respect and protect human life. The right to life, security, and dignity must remain paramount, and violence should never be used as a means to advance any agenda,” the statement read.

“This attack not only threatens peace efforts but also undermines the fundamental rights and well-being of the local population,” it added.

The CHR called for leaders of the groups behind the attack to cooperate with the authorities, and that their regional office was ready to advocate for peace efforts and dialogue.

“It is deeply concerning that such violence was inflicted while efforts were being made to uplift communities through non-combat operations. This blatant disregard for human life and security is unacceptable,” the statement read.

“Impunity must not prevail, and those behind this act of violence must be held accountable,” it continued.

The attack on January 22 occurred in Sumisip, Basilan while the 32nd Infantry Battalion was providing security to United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) personnel involved in a peace and development project.

One of the two groups allegedly behind the attack was linked to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

UN Philippines Resident Coordinator Gustavo Gonzalez condemned the incident.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) honored the soldiers wounded in the clash, presenting them with the Wounded Personnel Medal for their "courage and heroism".

Bangsamoro Education Minister Mohagher Iqbal and MILF-CCCH chairperson Butch Malang said the clash may have been caused by the lack of coordination between the two sides.

Bangsamoro Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim then called for calm "as we work towards addressing this incident through appropriate channels.”

AFP chief General Romeo Brawner Jr. said coordination with the MILF was carried out ahead of the January 22 encounter.

The AFP said the incident is under investigation and did not spoil the normalization program of the MILF as stipulated in the peace agreement with the rebel group

The GPH Peace Implementing Panel, in a statement, then said the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the MILF will enhance their ties following the fatal clash between their forces.

"The incident is a reminder for all parties, that respect, level-headedness, and empathy are essential in arriving at a solution that is just and principled for all," the GPH Peace Implementing Panel said.

On Wednesday, Feb. 5, Brawner said negotiations are ongoing with the MILF to surrender its members involved in the fatal clash. —Jiselle Anne Casucian/KG, GMA Integrated News