Tuburan, Basilan – April 12, 2025
Two soldiers were killed and another was wounded in an ambush by unidentified gunmen in Barangay Dugaa, Tuburan, Basilan, on Friday afternoon, April 11, reigniting concerns about the security situation in the province despite recent declarations of peace and the dismantling of local terrorist groups.
The victims were identified as Sgt. Reymark E. Bation and Cpl. Jordan P. Daquipel, while Cpl. Richivie S. Flores sustained injuries and was promptly rescued by responding troops. All three were members of the Philippine Army’s 18th Infantry Battalion and were reportedly en route from Dugaa Patrol Base to their company command post in Barangay Lahi-Lahi when they were attacked while riding motorcycles.
Immediately following the ambush, two platoons from Charlie Company under Cpt. Zaldy Mark F. Encina were deployed to clear the area, retrieve the remains of the slain soldiers, and secure the wounded.
The attack has drawn strong condemnation from the 18th Infantry Battalion, which denounced the ambush as a “cowardly act of terrorism.” In a statement, the unit mourned the loss of its soldiers and vowed to pursue the perpetrators relentlessly in coordination with the Philippine National Police and local government officials.
A Troubling Pattern
The incident comes just months after authorities declared Basilan free from the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG), a terrorist group once feared for its brutal tactics and long-standing presence on the island. The province was also recently hailed as a model of peacebuilding after years of military operations, civilian engagement, and community rehabilitation efforts.
In addition, the ambush raises concerns about the effectiveness of the government’s intensified campaign against loose firearms, launched late last year to further curb violence and prevent the resurgence of armed groups. Despite these efforts, the recent attack signals that remnants of lawless elements or new threats may still be lurking in the shadows.
Residents and observers alike are now questioning whether the declaration of Basilan as ASG-free and peaceful may have been premature or overly optimistic. While major armed groups may have been weakened or dismantled, the continuing occurrence of violence points to unresolved security gaps and possibly unaddressed root causes of conflict.
Calls for Vigilance and Unity
The 18th Infantry Battalion is urging the public to remain vigilant and assist law enforcement authorities by reporting suspicious activities. The unit emphasized that such acts of violence not only endanger lives but also undermine years of hard-won peace and development efforts.
“The pursuit of justice for our fallen comrades will not stop,” said the battalion in its statement. “This tragedy should galvanize our collective resolve to reject violence and stand united for a safer Basilan.”
As security operations intensify in Tuburan and nearby areas, local leaders and civil society organizations are also calling for a broader conversation on sustaining peace in the province—not just through military might, but by addressing the deeper socioeconomic and political conditions that allow violence to persist.