2 killed, 6 wounded in Basilan clash
ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — Two soldiers, both members of the Army’s 32nd Infantry Battalion, were killed while six others were wounded in an encounter in Basilan province on Wednesday, said Brigadier General Alvin Luzon, commander of the 101st Army Brigade.
Luzon said the soldiers were part of the security escorts that earlier assisted the personnel from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
“Around 4 p.m. this afternoon, troops of the 32nd Infantry Battalion who were securing (a) delegation from the UNDP were ambushed by armed men at Lower Cabengbeng, Sumisip town,” Luzon said through a Viber message.
The wounded soldiers were brought to Lamitan City for medical attention.
READ: 3 soldiers killed in ambush in Basilan
“Four of the wounded were airlifted, medically evacuated to Zamboanga City,” Luzon said.
Article continues after this advertisementHe said the UNDP representatives went to the area and discussed community development projects among local leaders and stakeholders.
Article continues after this advertisementIt was an initial engagement with community leaders and key stakeholders emphasizing the pursuit of the community’s normalization.
“We suspect there are peace spoilers within that community. It’s a sensitive issue and we don’t want to start an unnecessary war with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front,” Luzon said.
Earlier this afternoon, members of the UNDP headed by Moonyean Alava and Christopher Oates, an EU consultant, met with Basilan Governor Jim Salliman for consultation on a proposed project in some areas in Basilan.
Luzon said clashes have been put off with the help of the MILF leadership in the area.