Al-Barka, Basilan – November 19, 2024
Two soldiers from the 45th Infantry Battalion were injured in an ambush by armed men in Barangay Magcawa, Al-Barka, Basilan, around 8 a.m. on Tuesday, November 19.
According to reports, the soldiers were returning to Tipo-Tipo after participating in a medical outreach program when the attack occurred. Armed assailants fired at the team from a concealed position along the highway in Barangay Magcawa.
The wounded soldiers were promptly rushed to a nearby hospital, where they are now in stable condition and undergoing treatment, confirmed Brigadier General Alvin Luzon, commander of the 101st Infantry Brigade.
Basilan Governor Hadjiman Salliman, who also chairs the Provincial Peace and Order Council, has directed municipal officials and the Basilan Provincial Police Office to collaborate in identifying and apprehending the perpetrators.
The military has launched a manhunt to track down those responsible for the attack. Authorities are also preparing to file charges against the suspects once their identities are confirmed.
This ambush highlights the ongoing challenges in ensuring peace and security in Basilan, even as community outreach efforts continue to support local residents.
