Two soldiers died while at least 12 others were injured when heavily armed men allegedly attacked a group of soldiers securing a project site for a United Nations development project in Sumisip, Basilan on Wednesday, Jan. 22.
Brig. Gen. Alvin V. Luzon, commander of the Army’s 101st Infantry Brigade, said the gunmen also burned a military vehicle during the attack in Barangay Lower Cabengbeng.
Luzon said the attack was carried out by the groups of Najal Buena and Oman Hajal Jalis, whom he described as notorious for involvement in violent conflicts (rido) in the area.
The sad part, according to the military, was that the attack was supported by some members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).
Luzon said the involvement of some MILF fighters in the attack raised significant concerns about their role in fostering peace and stability in Basilan.
“The 101st Infantry Brigade also calls on the MILF leadership to take immediate action against members involved in this incident. Their participation undermines the principles of the peace agreement and threatens the progress made in normalization efforts,” said Luzon in a statement.
“Accountability is critical to maintaining trust and ensuring the integrity of the peace process,” he added.
Based on the report, soldiers were sent to some areas in Sumisip town as part of a security operation in support of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) from Jan. 21 to 25.
The UNDP project includes conducting a validation mission and stakeholder coordination to engage local communities in the Project Modelling Livelihood Initiatives.
Luzon said the mission was coordinated through the Joint Peace and Security Committee (JPSC) under the Joint Normalization Committee (JNC), with the support of local leaders.
The official said they also received reports that two of the attackers died while several others were injured.
“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,” said Luzon.