Two soldiers killed, 12 injured in Basilan ambush

Metro Manila, Philippines - Two soldiers were killed and 12 others were injured in an encounter in Basilan, the military’s Western Mindanao Command said.

Western Mindanao Command chief Lt. Gen. Antonio Nafarrete said unidentified armed personalities attacked troops of the 32nd Infantry Battalion in Sumisip, Basilan on Wednesday, Jan. 22.

Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito Galvez Jr. said the troops were providing security to United Nations Development Programme personnel engaged in a peace and development project.

The casualties were brought to Zamboanga City for medical assistance.

The Philippine Army and Galvez condemned the ambush.

“This cowardly act was perpetrated by lawless armed men who intend to derail the peace process that Basilan is now starting to enjoy,” Galvez said.

“We enjoin the nation to honor their ultimate sacrifice while securing the people of Basilan,” army chief Lt. Gen. Roy Galido said.

Government officials vowed to hold the people behind the attack accountable.

“Our forces will hunt down the perpetrators and put a stop to their violent criminal acts that create havoc in the peaceful communities and endanger the lives of our soldiers and innocent civilians,” Nafarrete said in a statement.

Galvez also urged the Moro Islamic Liberation Front leadership to look into the incident.