“Sa panahon ng kapayapaan, hindi na dapat nagkakaroon ng madugong encounter ang pamahalaan at MILF. Ilang buhay pa ba ang kailangang ibuwis para solusyunan ito at matigil na?”
This said Deputy Minority Leader and Basilan Rep. Mujiv Hataman, as he called for an urgent congressional inquiry into the recent armed encounter between government forces and members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in Basilan, stressing the need to prevent further violence and ensure that the peace process remains intact.
Hataman filed Resolution No. 2206 directing the House of Representatives to investigate the Jan. 22 clash in Barangay Lower Cabengbeng, Sumisip, Basilan, which resulted in the deaths of Private First Class Mark Barat and Corporal Orland James Diamel of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and left several others injured.
“Bakit na naman nangyari ito?” Hataman, a former governor of the now-defunct ARMM, asked.
He pointed out that a similar encounter between the AFP and the MILF happened in November 2022 in Barangay Ulitan, Ungkaya Pukan, Basilan, which resulted in multiple casualties, including five MILF fighters and three government troops.
The lawmaker underscored the gravity of these recurring incidents, saying they not only claim lives but also destabilize communities that have worked hard to recover from decades of conflict.
“This heinous act not only inflicted harm upon individuals and their families but also disrupted the peace and security of the affected community,” the resolution stated.
Hataman said the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB), signed in 2014, was meant to prevent such clashes by ensuring clear security mechanisms and coordination between the government and the MILF.
However, the recent violence raises questions about the effectiveness of these mechanisms.
“The CAB outlines key principles and commitments to advance security, stability, and inclusive governance in the Bangsamoro region, highlighting the importance of addressing root causes of conflict and enhancing mechanisms for sustainable peace,” the resolution read.
Hataman condemned all forms of violence, particularly those that target innocent civilians and undermine societal peace and harmony.
He stressed the urgency of assessing whether the security provisions in the CAB are being properly implemented and whether gaps in coordination are allowing clashes to erupt.
“An investigation in aid of legislation will provide an opportunity to identify gaps, challenges and policy needs to strengthen the security framework and enhance intergovernmental coordination in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM),” Hataman said.
The inquiry will focus on reviewing the peace process, evaluating existing security protocols and determining what needs to be done to prevent similar incidents in the future.
“This incident underscores the need to evaluate the effectiveness of the implementation of the CAB and related security mechanisms to prevent similar occurrences and ensure the continued progress of the peace process,” the resolution stated.
Hataman also expressed concern that without clear interventions, these clashes could escalate and threaten the stability of the Bangsamoro region.
“We must ensure that all parties adhere to the principles of peace, justice and human rights as enshrined in the Constitution,” he emphasized.
He then condoled with the families of those who died in the encounter.
“Nakikiramay tayo sa mga kaanak, kaibigan at mahal sa buhay ng mga nasawi. Kailangan magkaroon ng hustisya ang kanilang pagkamatay,” Hataman said.
Hataman reiterated his commitment to ensuring that Basilan and the rest of the Bangsamoro region remain on the path of peace and development, urging all stakeholders to remain vigilant and proactive in resolving conflicts through peaceful means.
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