15-8-2023 (MANILA) The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) has announced its intent to investigate the ambush that occurred on Saturday afternoon, August 12, in Barangay Ulitan, Ungkaya Pukan town, Basilan. The attack resulted in the deaths of two soldiers and left seven others injured.
Hadji Samad Ahaddin, chairman of the MILF’s Ad Hoc Joint Action Group-Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities (AHJAG-CCCH) in Basilan, stated that they will conduct a thorough investigation to determine whether any MILF members were involved in the ambush. Ahaddin emphasized that if any of their members are found to be responsible, they will be held accountable for violating the agreement between the government and the MILF.
On Monday, August 14, Corporal Abdurafic Akalun, one of the wounded soldiers, succumbed to his injuries in the hospital. Following Muslim tradition, Akalun was immediately laid to rest.
Akalun was a member of the Joint Peace and Security Team (JPST), which was targeted in the ambush alongside eight other soldiers. One soldier lost his life instantly during the attack.
The injured soldiers were swiftly transported to the Camp Navarro General Hospital of the Western Mindanao Command in Zamboanga City for medical treatment.
The Army’s 64th Infantry Battalion and JPST members had been deployed to the village to conduct an assessment in preparation for a medical outreach program. However, while performing their duties, they came under attack from an armed group and engaged in a five-minute firefight.
Brigadier General Alvin Luzon, commander of Joint Task Force Basilan, strongly condemned the ambush and referred to the actions of the responsible group as “cowardice.” The military is committed to bringing those responsible to justice and ensuring the safety and security of the area.
