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'Sacrifice for peace': Galido lauds Basilan-based unit in aftermath of deadly ambush
'Sacrifice for peace': Galido lauds Basilan-based unit in aftermath of deadly ambush
"At the end of the day, what's important is that we return home and see our families smile."
Lt. Gen. Roy Galido, commanding general of the Philippine Army (PA), commended the troops of the Basilan-based 101st Infantry Brigade over the weekend for their “crucial role in sustaining peace and progress” in the province, especially in the aftermath of a deadly ambush that killed two of its personnel and wounded 12 others.
In a statement Monday, Feb. 10, the PA said that Galido visited the brigade's headquarters at Camp Luis Biel II in Brgy. Tabiawan, Isabela City, Basilan last Friday to convey his appreciation for the troops’ “discipline, dedication, and sacrifice in ensuring the security of the people of Basilan.”
“Our work is extremely hazardous and high risk – that’s why our compensation is significant. But that should never lead to complacency. In this line of duty, a single mistake, one wrong assessment, could mean everything. The question is: is your family ready for that?” Galido told the 101st Infantry Brigade headed by its commander, Brig. Gen. Alvin Luzon.
The Army chief emphasized the importance of practicing discipline at all times, as he said this is where the troops would find their “direction” during the conduct of every mission, no matter what the danger or risk may be.
“At the end of the day, what’s important is that we return home and see our families smile”, he noted.
The Army chief also assured soldiers who were injured during the ambush nearly three weeks ago that they would be provided with the utmost support, including comprehensive medical care, to hasten their recovery.
Galido visited the troops who were still recovering at Camp Navarro General Hospital in Calarian, Zamboanga City, those under the medical care at the Basilan Medical Center (BMC) in Basilan, and those staying at various private hospitals in Zamboanga City following the deadly ambush perpetrated by lawless elements and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in Sumisip, Basilan.
He honored the lives lost in the incident and encouraged the recuperating troops never to give up despite their suffering.
Galido has set forth his command guidance which includes emphasis on uplifting the morale and welfare of the troops to attain mission accomplishment.
“As we fulfill our mandate, let us place equal emphasis on keeping our troops' morale high, especially for those who are accomplishing their missions. Ensure that individual privileges are served upon fulfilling the requirements of their work. In doing so, we are preserving not just the spirit of our troops but also of their loved ones,” he noted.
The ambush occurred in Barangay Lower Cabengbeng in Sumisip town on Jan. 22 when personnel of the Army’s 32nd Infantry Battalion, 101st Infantry were ambushed by armed men led by a certain Najal Buena and one Oman Hajal Jali, who are allegedly linked to the MILF. On the part of the suspects, two MILF fighters were killed and several others were injured.
The Army troops were securing the area for livelihood initiatives by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) when they were fired upon by the gunmen.
The MILF later accused the military of not coordinating with them before entering the area, which is under the control of MILF, but the military insisted proper coordination has been made.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) filed charges against the suspects and urged the MILF leadership to surrender their fighters responsible for the attack.