BASILAN Rep. Mujiv Hataman is seeking a congressional inquiry into the recent armed encounter between government forces and members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in his province, stressing the need to prevent further violence and ensure that the peace process remains intact.
Hataman filed House Resolution 2206 directing the appropriate House committee to investigate the Jan. 22 clash in Barangay Lower Cabengbeng, Sumisip, Basilan, which resulted in the deaths of Pfc. Mark Barat and Cpl. Orland James Diamel of the Army and injuries to several others.
“Why did this happen again?” asked Hataman, a former governor of the now-defunct Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.
He pointed out that a similar incident between the military and the MILF happened in November 2022 in Barangay Ulitan, Ungkaya Pukan, Basilan, resulting in multiple casualties, including five MILF fighters and three soldiers.
The lawmaker underscored the gravity of these recurring incidents, saying they not only claim lives but also destabilize communities that have worked hard to recover from decades of conflict.
“This heinous act not only inflicted harm upon individuals and their families, but also disrupted the peace and security of the affected community,” the resolution stated.
Hataman said the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB), signed in 2014, was meant to prevent such clashes by ensuring clear security mechanisms and coordination between the government and the MILF.
However, the recent encounter raised questions about the effectiveness of such mechanisms.
“The CAB outlines key principles and commitments to advance security, stability, and inclusive governance in the Bangsamoro region, highlighting the importance of addressing root causes of conflict and enhancing mechanisms for sustainable peace,” the resolution read.
Hataman condemned all forms of violence, particularly those that target innocent civilians and undermine societal peace and harmony.
He stressed the urgency of assessing if the security provisions in the CAB are being properly implemented and whether gaps in coordination are allowing clashes to erupt.
“An investigation in aid of legislation will provide an opportunity to identify gaps, challenges and policy needs to strengthen the security framework and enhance intergovernmental coordination in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM),” Hataman said.
The inquiry will focus on reviewing the peace process, evaluating existing security protocols and determining what needs to be done to prevent similar incidents in the future, he added.
“This incident underscores the need to evaluate the effectiveness of the implementation of the CAB and related security mechanisms to prevent similar occurrences and ensure the continued progress of the peace process,” the resolution stated.
Hataman also expressed concern that without clear interventions, these clashes could escalate and threaten the stability of the Bangsamoro region.
“We must ensure that all parties adhere to the principles of peace, justice and human rights as enshrined in the Constitution,” he emphasized.
Hataman reiterated his commitment to ensuring that Basilan and the rest of the Bangsamoro region remain on the path of peace and development, urging all stakeholders to stay vigilant and proactive in resolving conflicts through peaceful means.