The Bangsamoro government center in Cotabato City is lit up in green on January 22, 2022 to mark the region's third anniversary. BARMM Cabinet Secretary Mohammad Asnin Pendatun, handout, file 

MANILA — The chief minister of the Bangsamoro government urged all parties involved to remain calm as it investigates the ambush of soldiers in Basilan.

In a statement, Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim expressed his deep sadness at the incident, which happened during the weeklong celebration of the 6th founding anniversary of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

“This incident is particularly disheartening as it transpired during the weeklong celebration of the 6th Foundation Anniversary of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), a period that symbolizes unity, peace, and progress in our region,” he said.

Ebrahim, who used the nom de guerre Murad Ebrahim prior to the establishment of the BARMM, heads the Bangsamoro Transition Authority, the region's interim government.

Ebrahim also called on all involved parties to remain calm while they investigate the incident.

“We urge all parties to remain calm as we work towards addressing this incident through appropriate channels. The Bangsamoro Government strongly believes that the established mechanisms within the peace process, such as the Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH) and the Ad Hoc Joint Action Group (AHJAG), are the best platforms to investigate and resolve this matter,” he added.

'This is a tragedy': Basilan clash 'wake-up call' to strengthen peace coordination, says MILF-AHJAG chair

He also called for vigilance but also restraint as he urged people to avoid actions and statements that could make the situation worse.

“Let us continue to uphold the principles of dialogue, mutual respect, and cooperation as we work together towards sustaining the peace that we have collectively built,” he said.

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

The clash between soldiers of the Army's 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. 

4 killed, 12 wounded in ambush of soldiers securing UN mission in Basilan