2 soldiers killed, 12 wounded in ambush

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TWO soldiers were killed while 12 other troopers were wounded when ambushed by members of a Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) faction in Sumisip, Basilan late Wednesday afternoon.

Reports said the troopers from the 32nd Infantry Battalion aboard KM450 military truck were on their way to Barangay Cabengbeng to supervise a scheduled community livelihood program when fired upon by the attackers.

During the fighting, two attackers were reportedly killed and undetermined others were wounded.

The attackers were able to set fire to a KM450 military truck before retreating.

Brig. Gen. Alvin Luzon, commander of the 101st Infantry Brigade, said the attackers were led by Najal Buena and Oman Halal Jalis, notorious for their involvement in violent conflicts in the area.

"Tragically, the attack was supported by some members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), raising significant concerns about their role in fostering peace stability," Luzon said.

He said the army contingent were stationed in Basilan to secure United Nations Development Program (UNDP) personnel conducting a validation mission and stakeholder coordination to engage local communities in the Project Modeling Livelihood Initiatives.

He said the mission was coordinated through the Joint and Security Committee under the Joint Normalization Committee, with the support of local leaders.

"The 101st ID deeply regrets and strongly condemns the violent incident," Luzon said, adding that the encounter transpired during a legitimate security operation in support of the UNDP.

The 101st ID paid 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. The 101st also calls on the MILF leadership to take immediate action against members involved in this incident," he said.

"Their participation undermines the principles of the peace agreement and threatens the progress made in normalization efforts. Accountability is critical to maintaining trust and ensuring the integrity of the peace process," Luzon said.

The UN visit was later aborted due to the firefight, he added.

The peace treaty had led to the creation of a self-rule area in a Muslim-populated region in the southern Philippines, now run by Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim, the former MILF chief.

However the process of decommissioning the weapons of thousands of MILF fighters following a lengthy armed campaign that left thousands dead is yet to be completed.

Ebrahim said in a statement that the regional Bangsamoro government — which includes the island province of Basilan — was "deeply saddened by the unfortunate encounter" with MILF members.

He urged all parties to "remain calm as we work towards addressing this incident through appropriate channels," while stressing the regional government "remains steadfast in its commitment to the full implementation" of the peace treaty.

Philippine Army commander LtGen. Roy Galido condemned the attack and said his forces are "working closely with local government units and law enforcement agencies to ensure that the perpetrators of this treacherous act face the full consequences of their actions."

FRANCISCO TUYAY WITH REPORTS FROM AFP