ISABELA CITY, Basilan — Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto “Gibo” C. Teodoro Jr., Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Gen. Antonio G. Nafarrete, and Basilan Governor Mujiv S. Hataman led a high-level security assessment in the province on October 6, following the recent ambush of military personnel in Tipo-Tipo, Basilan.
The security conference was held at the headquarters of the 1101st Infantry “Gagandilan” Brigade in Tabiawan, Isabela City, where senior defense and military officials reviewed the prevailing security situation, ongoing operations, and measures being undertaken to address threats posed by local lawless elements and the illicit networks supporting them.
The meeting brought together key commanders responsible for security operations in Western Mindanao, including Maj. Gen. Jose Vladimir R. Cagara, Acting Commander of Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom); Maj. Gen. Leonardo I. Peña, Commander of the 11th Infantry “Alakdan” Division and Joint Task Force Orion; Brig. Gen. Ferdinand Rey G. Ga, Assistant Division Commander of 11ID; and Brig. Gen. Frederick M. Sales, Commander of the 1101st Infantry Brigade.
The assessment came in the wake of the Tipo-Tipo ambush, highlighting the continuing security challenges confronting Basilan and the need for sustained coordination among military units, law enforcement agencies, and local government authorities.
Teodoro emphasized that security incidents must be viewed within the broader peace and order situation rather than as isolated events. He called for measures that address not only armed threats but also the networks and conditions that allow such threats to persist.
The Defense chief underscored the importance of protecting communities while strengthening law enforcement and addressing the links between local security threats and the illegal drug trade.
He also stressed closer coordination between the AFP, law enforcement agencies, and local government units to improve the government’s response to security concerns and preserve the gains made in peace and development across Basilan.
For the provincial government, Governor Hataman reaffirmed the commitment of the Basilan government to work closely with security forces in protecting communities and maintaining peace and stability in the province.
The conference underscored the shared responsibility of civilian authorities and security institutions in confronting security challenges while ensuring that efforts to maintain public safety remain aligned with the broader objective of sustaining peace and development.
Defense Leadership Visits Wounded Soldiers
Following the security assessment in Basilan, Teodoro and senior military officials traveled to Camp Navarro General Hospital in Zamboanga City to visit the soldiers wounded in the Tipo-Tipo ambush.
The defense and military leadership personally checked on the condition and recovery of the wounded personnel and recognized their service by conferring awards in acknowledgment of their courage, dedication, and commitment to duty.
The hospital visit placed the welfare of wounded troops alongside the broader security response, with the country’s defense and military leadership expressing support for personnel who were injured while carrying out their duties.
The twin activities in Basilan and Zamboanga City reflected the government’s continuing effort to strengthen security operations while ensuring that troops deployed in challenging areas receive appropriate recognition and support.
Authorities said sustained coordination among the AFP, police and other law enforcement agencies, and local governments remains essential in addressing armed threats, disrupting illicit support networks, protecting communities, and maintaining the conditions necessary for peace and development in Basilan.