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Wednesday, February 5, 2025

AFP moves to unmask MILF attackers in Basilan clash

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) began collecting information to identify those responsible for the armed attack in Sumisip, Basilan, which left two soldiers dead and 12 others injured.

Brig. Gen. Alvin Luzon, commander of the 101st Infantry Brigade in Basilan, said they are currently gathering the necessary information to file cases, particularly to determine the identities of those involved in the ambush.

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“We already have initial coordination with the Basilan Provincial Police Office for our joint efforts in the filing of cases,” Luzon said, adding that they will leave it to the Philippine National Police (PNP), which is more familiar with filing criminal cases.

The ambush in Basilan prompted potential charges, including murder and violations of the gun ban. Luzon stated that investigations are ongoing.

Butch Malang from the MILF Coordinating Committee and Brig. Gen. Nasser Lidasan from the government committee are conducting verifications and visiting affected areas.

Hadji Samad Ahadin of the MILF condemned the attack, but claimed government troops did not coordinate their entry into the area—a requirement under the normalization agreement.

The military disputed this, asserting that the area in question is no longer an “Area of Temporary Stay.”

Bangsamoro Chief Minister Murad Ebrahim called for calm as the investigation continues, expressing sadness over the incident, which coincided with the 6th founding anniversary celebrations of the region.

“This incident is particularly disheartening as it transpired during the weeklong celebration of the 6th Foundation Anniversary of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), a period that symbolizes unity, peace, and progress in our region,” he said.

Ebrahim heads the Bangsamoro Transition Authority, the region’s interim government. “We urge all parties to remain calm as we work towards addressing this incident through appropriate channels,” he said.

“The Bangsamoro Government strongly believes that the established mechanisms within the peace process, such as the Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH) and the Ad Hoc Joint Action Group (AHJAG), are the best platforms to investigate and resolve this matter,” he added.

“Let us continue to uphold the principles of dialogue, mutual respect, and cooperation as we work together towards sustaining the peace that we have collectively built,” Ebrahim said further.

Western Mindanao Command chief Lt. General Antonio Nafarrete said the military will file a protest over the encounter. “We will demand these persons involved be identified and we will file a criminal case on this matter,” he said.

The AFP said it expects the leadership of the MILF to impose sanctions on its members who were involved in the deadly ambush.

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