AFP chief orders probe into Basilan clash

AFP Chief General Gregorio Catapang Jr. /AFP PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — Armed Forces of the Philippines chief General Gregorio Catapang Jr. has ordered an investigation following the clashes between government forces and Abu Sayyaf in Basilan that led to the death of six soldiers.

“We are now directing a conduct of investigation as to how the incident happened. I’m not saying anything as of now whether who was at fault or there were tactical lapses. What is important is the incident is being investigated,” he told reporters in a press briefing midday Monday.

Soldiers were deployed to look after the ongoing Basilan Circumferential Road project in Sumisip town when they were ambushed by bandits early Sunday.

One Army junior officer, identified as Second Lieutenant Jun Corpuz of Philippine Military Academy Class of 2014, was one of the six slain soldiers.

“[The investigation aims] to find out why, how come these soldiers, one officer died. What are the circumstances,” Catapang said.

All-out offensive being studied

The AFP chief said they are studying the recommendation of Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Governor Mujiv Hataman to conduct an all-out offensive against the Abu Sayyaf.

“Pag-aaralan natin (We will study it). We cannot just say [outright] that there is a need. Maybe, I want to talk to the people of Basilan, to the province and maybe, just like what we did in Jolo. We (will) go there (to) talk the cause-oriented groups, dialogue with them, ask them their sentiments and how we can turnaround the situation from (this),” Catapang said.

“We will find out if there will be people who have to be investigated. Why it happened. We will ask for that investigation,” the AFP chief said when asked if there is a possibility of lapses in intelligence.

The incident in Basilan came after the military was doing military operations in Sulu against the Abu Sayyaf.

“I want to correct that impression that we are doing an all-out offensive. What we are doing now is an all-out law enforcement operation. Next week we will go there, identify the projects. We’ll be having a meeting barangay captains, the mayors and governor in Sulu to identify, para hindi naman na panay gyera na lang ginagawa (so that it isn’t always war).

He added that the operations in Sulu are in no way related to what happened in Basilan.

“[There is] no connection. I think the enemies there in Basilan are doing what they can do so if you lose your guard. They will take advantage of you,” he said.

Like a Harry Potter movie

Catapang likened the Abu Sayyaf situation in Mindanao to a Harry Potter movie that is “never-ending.”

“It’s like Harry Potter movie na it’s a never ending story. The soldiers are ambushed so they lose the upperhand so I want an honest-to-goodness assessment so that history will not keep repeating itself,” he said.

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