ISABELA CITY, Basilan — The military and the provincial government in this province strongly condemn the armed confrontation between soldiers of the Philippine Army and alleged members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in Sumisip, Basilan that left two soldiers dead and 12 others injured.

101st Infantry (Three Red Arrows) Brigade Commander Brig. Gen. Alvin Luzon said yesterday armed group — allegedly affiliated with the MILF ambushed a group of soldiers serving as security to the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) representatives.

The UNDP team was conducting a development project in Sumisip municipality in Basilan province when the incident occurred in Barangay Lower Cabengbeng at about 4 p.m. on Wednesday, few minutes after UNDP representatives visited the area.

At least two soldiers died in the encounter and 12 others were wounded. The wounded soldiers were immediately rushed to the Lamitan City General Hospital for treatment of bullet wounds, Luzon said.

“We are highly condemning the incident between our soldiers and the so-called peace spoilers of the MILF as we deeply mourn the saddened for the loss of our two soldiers who were deployed in support of vital peacebuilding efforts and courageously providing security assistance,” he added.

Luzon narrated that the soldiers from the 32nd Infantry Battalion were securing the UNDP Representatives who were conducting a forum in the community as part of the Project Modeling Livelihood Initiatives when they were attacked by two armed groups affiliated with the MILF.

Luzon identified the UNDP team head as consultant Moonyean Alava, and European Union consultant Christopher Oates, and four other members of the UNDP. They earlier paid a courtesy visit to Governor Jim Hataman Salliman for a consultation on a proposed project initiated by the UNDP, he added.

“While securing Barangay Lower Cabengbeng, the soldiers were attacked by a group of lawless elements led by Najal Buena and Oman Hajal Jalis, who are notorious for involvement in violent conflicts (rido) in the area,” Luzon said.

‘Their dedication to safeguarding development initiatives and the safety of the people of Basilan should not be overshadowed by this senseless violence.’

Additionally, he said, “Tragically, another armed group — allegedly affiliated with the MILF opened fire at the group of soldiers resulting in a heavily armed encounter.”

Luzon expressed fear that the incident might raise significant concerns about the MILF role in fostering peace and stability.

“Their dedication to safeguarding development initiatives and the safety of the people of Basilan should not be overshadowed by this senseless violence,” he pointed out.

Luzon emphasized that the incident constitutes a violation of the gun ban, which is in place to maintain peace and security in the region.