MANILA — Four people, including two soldiers, were killed while 12 others were wounded in an ambush in Sumisip, Basilan on Wednesday, January 22.


In a statement, Philippine Army 101st Infantry Brigade commander Brigadier General Alvin Luzon said the clash between soldiers of the 32nd Infantry Battalion and lawless elements backed by members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) happened during a security operation in support of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in Barangay Lower Cabengbeng.


The UNDP representatives, who were in the area since Tuesday, were conducting a validation mission and stakeholder coordination to engage local communities in the Project Modelling Livelihood Initiatives. 

The mission was coordinated through the Joint Peace and Security Committee (JPSC) under the Joint Normalization Committee (JNC), with the support of local leaders.


“While securing Barangay Lower Cabengbeng, troops encountered gunfire from lawless elements led by Najal Buena and Oman Hajal Jalis, individuals notorious for involvement in violent conflicts (rido) in the area."

"Tragically, the attack was supported by some members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), raising significant concerns about their role in fostering peace and stability,” Luzon said.


According to Luzon, two gunmen were reported killed while the number of wounded remained undetermined. The attackers also burned one KM450 military vehicle, causing further material loss.


“The 101st Infantry Brigade pays tribute to the bravery and professionalism of the soldiers who defended the peace process and ensured the safety of the UNDP team. Their sacrifices underline our commitment to upholding peace and protecting the people of Basilan,” he said.


Condemning the incident, Luzon called on the MILF leadership to take immediate actions against members involved in the incident.


He also assured the people of Basilan that the incident is “isolated” and that the province remains peaceful and secure.


In a separate statement, the Western Mindanao Command extended its condolences to the families and loved ones of the fallen soldiers.


“We also pray for the fast recovery of those who were wounded in action,” WestMinCom commander Lieutenant General Antonio Nafarrete said.


“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 continued.


Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito Galvez Jr. also condemned the attack.


“This cowardly act was perpetrated by lawless armed men who intend to derail the peace process that Basilan is now starting to enjoy,” Galvez said in a statement.


In coordination with the provincial government, the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police, Galvez said the OPAPRU is immediately deploying all relevant peace mechanisms, including the Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities, the Joint Peace Security Committee Ad Hoc Joint Committee, and the Joint Peace and Security Teams.


“These measures aim to de-escalate tensions on the ground and facilitate a swift and impartial investigation to establish the facts and circumstances of the incident,” Galvez noted.


Meanwhile, UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in the Philippines Gustavo Gonzalez expressed deep sadness at the loss of lives in the incident, as he also condemned the ambush.

"I would like to express the United Nations’ sympathies with those who were affected and their families. No United Nations personnel were in the immediate vicinity of the incident," he said in a statement. 

"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," Gonzalez added.