Top defense officials rush to Basilan after convoy ambush

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur — Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Gen. Antonio Nafarrete rushed to Basilan on Tuesday to map out security measures and check on wounded troops following a military convoy ambush in Tipo-Tipo on Monday.

Teodoro and Nafarrete convened a security conference with local leaders, led by Basilan Gov. Mujiv Hataman, at the headquarters of the 1101st Infantry Brigade in Barangay Tabiawan, Isabela City.

They assessed the situation and discussed measures to address lawless elements and the activities that sustain them, as well as broader security and law enforcement concerns affecting communities in Basilan.

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Teodoro said safeguarding local communities remains at the heart of the government’s security efforts.

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READ: 11 gov’t troops wounded in Basilan daylight ambush

Following the briefing, Teodoro and Nafarrete flew to Zamboanga City to visit the soldiers injured in the Oct. 5 attack who are recovering at Camp Navarro General Hospital.

Teodoro personally assessed the troops’ condition, expressed full government support, and conferred military medals in recognition of their valor and sacrifice.

The attack drew condemnation from Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua, who ordered regional agencies to extend full support to affected units and victims.

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“The Bangsamoro Government condemns in the strongest terms the ambush that took place yesterday, October 5, in Tipo-Tipo, Basilan,” Macacua said.

“There can be no justification for violence against those who serve the public and uphold the law,” he added.

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Macacua urged law enforcement agencies to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation to ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice under existing laws and peace mechanisms.

He also appealed to the public to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information.

“Basilan, and the Bangsamoro as a whole, have endured far too much conflict. We must not allow acts of violence to undermine the peace that generations of our people have struggled and sacrificed to build,” Macacua added.

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Hataman assured the public that the provincial government of Basilan would maintain a unified front with security forces to preserve peace and order across the island province. /mcm