The Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) strongly condemned the lawless armed men’s attack in Basilan that killed two soldiers and wounded 12 others.
OPAPRU Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. called the armed group’s move a “cowardice” with the aim of disrupting the peace process that is gradually being experienced in Basilan.
The encounter between MILF members took place on Wednesday as troops of the 32nd Infantry Battalion provided security to United Nations Development Programme personnel in Barangay Lower Cabengbeng, Sumisip, Basilan.
Two of the armed groups were killed in the clash.
Galvez extended his condolences to the families of the fallen soldiers who laid down their lives for peace and assured the deployment of peace mechanisms in collaboration with the local government, AFP, and PNP to ease tensions in the area.
“ My deepest sympathies go out to the families of fallen soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of peace” the statement said.
He also urged the MILF to conduct its own investigation and help catch those responsible for the incident.
Galvez assured the people of Basilan of the government’s dedication to peace, justice, and security.
Abner is an award-winning journalist. He received the prestigious 2015 Titus Brandsma Award for Community Communication in the Philippines and participated in the 2016 International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) of the United States of America, sponsored by the US Embassy in the Philippines. Founder of WATCH NORTH COTABATO, a media-citizens’ transparency group. He worked as a correspondent for the Philippine Daily Inquirer and CNN Philippines. His experience in broadcasting includes anchoring for Brigada News FM in Kidapawan and General Santos City and Brigada News TV. He anchors Tira Brigada via 105.1 Brigada News FM Manila, Mondays-Saturdays.