Government’s Peace Implementing Panel calls for ‘sobriety’ after Basilan clash

January 30, 2025 , 03:19 PM

By Clarist Mae Zablan

(January 30, 2025) – The government’s Peace Implementing Panel on Thursday called for “sobriety and prudence” from all parties following a deadly armed encounter between soldiers and members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in Basilan last week.

The Peace Implementing Panel, describing the incident as “unfortunate,” appealed to all concerned parties to refrain from issuing statements “that may cause misinterpretation and add tension to the incident.”

“The incident is a reminder for all parties that respect, level-headedness, and empathy are essential in arriving at a solution that is just and principled for all,” the panel said in a statement.

“To this end, the Parties, with our peace mechanisms, endeavor to intensify our ground engagements, close coordination, and open dialogue to maintain the same degree of trust and confidence at the higher level, which we have carefully nurtured for years to bring just and lasting peace in the Bangsamoro.”

On Jan. 22, Army troops clashed with “lawless elements,” followed by another armed encounter with members of the MILF, as the soldiers provided security to United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) personnel in Brgy. Lower Cabengbeng, Sumisip, Basilan.

The encounter killed two soldiers and wounded 12 others.

Anwar Alamada, chairman of the MILF Ad Hoc Joint Action Group, said members of the MILF were caught off-guard by the presence of soldiers in the community, state media PNA reported. But the Armed Forces of the Philippines has maintained that soldiers already coordinated with the MILF before the incident.

The MILF ceasefire panel vowed to investigate the armed encounter, Alamada said.

The Peace Implementing Panel also assured that the government is working closely with the MILF, stressing the need to “ensure that we cultivate the same discipline and commitment to peace, including faithful adherence to agreed peace process protocols.”

“We assure the public and other stakeholders that the Parties remain steadfast in our commitment to preserve the peace dividends in view of our shared mission for genuine peace and development in the Bangsamoro,” the panel said.

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