The chief minister of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), Ahod Balawag Ebrahim, called for joint efforts between the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and government representatives to fully understand the details of last week’s Army-MILF clash in Sumisip, Basilan, which resulted in two soldiers’ deaths and 12 others injured.
Ebrahim emphasized that established mechanisms, such as the Coordinating Committee on Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH) and the Ad-Hoc Joint Action Group (AHJAG), are best suited to address misunderstandings and dispel speculations surrounding the incident.
The clash occurred when members of the 32nd Infantry Battalion were attacked by MILF fighters while withdrawing from Barangay Cabengbeng after a change in plans involving UN Development Programme representatives.
The two soldiers killed were identified as Cpl. Orland James Diamel and Pfc. Mark Barat.
Ebrahim urged the public to allow the ongoing inquiry to proceed without interference and reiterated the MILF’s commitment to the peace agreements that paved the way for the creation of BARMM.
Source: PhilNews24 | February 2, 2025
