DAVAO CITY – The 101st Infantry Brigade strongly condemned the ambush of soldiers in Barangay Lower Cabengbeng, Sumisip, Basilan on Wednesday afternoon by the Moro Islamic Liberation Front as the incident raises concern on the groups role in fostering peace in the province.
LUZON
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The 101st IB said soldiers from the 32nd Infantry Battalion were securing Barangay Lower Cabengbeng when they were fired at by a group led by Najal Buena and Oman Hajal Jalis, notorious lawless elements involved in local conflicts.
Another group of soldiers enroute to meet United Nations Development Program representatives as part of Project Modelling Livelihood initiatives rushed towards the source of gunfire but were fired at by another armed group reportedly affiliated with the MILF.
Two soldiers were killed and seven were wounded. They were taken to a hospital in Lamitan City, Basilan. Two lawless elements were also killed while an undetermined number were wounded.
A military KM450 truck was reportedly burned by the lawless elements at the height of the encounter that started at 3:55 p.m. and lasted for two hours.
Brig. Gen. Alvin Luzon, 101st Infantry Brigade commander, said the area had been cleared of armed men and they are coordinating with the MILF leadership.
The MILF justified their actions and insisted that government troops entered the MILF 114th Base Command without prior coordination.
Anwar Alamada, chairman of the MILF Ad Hoc Joint Action Group, said this was a violation of the ceasefire agreement between the government and MILF.
AHJAG is a cooperative mechanism established through a joint communiqué between the Government of the Philippines and MILF in 2005. It is also a mechanism where both parties can conduct joint pursuit operations criminal elements in the so-called MILF areas.
Alamada said that even if the soldier’s presence in the area was not for a law enforcement operation, it still requires a prior coordination as provided in the ceasefire protocol. “Pag may activity na kailangan silang pumasok, magpapaalam muna sila sa CCCH (Coordinating Committees on the Cessation of Hostilities).” (If they have activities that they need to enter, they should inform the CCCH)
He said that the MILF leadership has sent guidelines to its troops on the ground to avoid escalation.
Despite the incident, the Philippine Army said they remain committed to their mission in implementing peace and development works in the area.
Luzon said they are now working closely with the MILF-CCCH to investigate the incident and to prevent future occurrences. “The military remains committed to working alongside the MILF leadership, local government units, and other peace stakeholders to ensure that peace is upheld and that justice is served for those affected.”