Ten soldiers were injured after a military convoy was ambushed in Barangay Badja, Tipo-Tipo, Basilan, at about 7:45 a.m. Monday, Oct. 5.
According to the Police Regional Office of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region, the convoy was traveling from Tipo-Tipo toward Lamitan City when unidentified assailants opened fire on the soldiers.
Some of the soldiers sustained gunshot wounds to the head, abdomen, back and legs, while others suffered shrapnel wounds.
The military is investigating the incident and assessing a possible motive for the attack.
According to the military’s initial assessment, the ambush may have been carried out in retaliation by the armed group of Saddam Siddick following an operation in Barangay Baimbing, Lamitan City.
The operation resulted in the death of Siddick’s second wife, Nermalyn Salapuddin Musa.
Authorities have not identified the perpetrators of the ambush.
The investigation into the attack remains ongoing as authorities work to determine who carried out the shooting and the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The military has also deployed additional forces to the area to strengthen security and prevent further threats against soldiers and communities.
Joint Task Force Orion condemned the incident and said efforts are continuing to identify and hold those responsible accountable.
The military also appealed to the public to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information while operations and the investigation continue.
Authorities are maintaining security measures in the area as the investigation proceeds.
