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UNDP condemns ambush, remains steadfast in Philippines duty

Philippines | Luzon

UNDP condemns ambush, remains steadfast in Philippines duty

By Tristan Lozano

The United Nations in the Philippines said they remain steadfast in their service to the country and are not cowered by the ambush in Barangay Lower Cabengbeng, Sumisip, Basilan on Wednesday, Jan. 22, where two soldiers were killed and 12 others were wounded.

“In the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), the UN supports peacebuilding efforts of national, regional, and local authorities. We have made significant progress. We will stay and deliver in BARMM,” UN Philippines Resident Coordinator Gustavo Gonzalez said in a statement.

Gonzalez said the UN strongly condemns the ambush. “I would like to express the United Nations’ sympathies with those who were affected and their families,” he added.

Gonzalez said their staff is safe as no UN personnel were in the immediate vicinity of the incident when the ambush occurred.

Brig. Gen. Alvin Luzon, 101st Infantry Brigade chief, 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 UNDP 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 12 were wounded. They were taken to a hospital in Lamitan City, Basilan. Two lawless elements were also killed while an undetermined number were wounded.

Related Tags

UNDP Sumisip Basilan MILF

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