HINDI pinalagpas ng pamunuan ng Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces ang pananambang ng grupo ng lawless elements kamakailan sa Basilan na ikinamatay ng apat katao kabilang ang dalawang sundalo ng Philippine Army.

Sa inilabas na pahayag ni Sammy Al Mansoor, BIAF-MILF chief of Staff, mariin nilang inihayag na kanilang kinokondena ang trahedya at walang kabuluhang karahasang nangyari noong Enero 22, 2025 sa Lower Cabengbeng, sa bayan ng Sumisip, lalawigan ng Basilan na ikinamatay ng dalawang sundalo at ikinasugat ng pitong iba pa.

Nakikiramay din ang BIAF sa pagkamatay ng dalawa nilang kapatid sa relihiyon at pagkasugat ng dalawa nilang tauhan sa nasabing pangyayari.

Ikinalulungkot umano ng liderato ng BIAF ang insidente na sumugat sa kanilang pinaghirapang isulong na peace and stability, katuwang ang Government of the Philippines (GPH), at iba pang stakeholders.

Wala umanong puwang ang anomang uri ng karahasan sa Lipunan, kasabay ng pagtiyak na pananatilihin ng BIAF ang pagtupad sa principles of peace, justice and harmony bilang haligi ng Bangsamoro’s progress and prosperity.

“As the Chief of Staff of BIAF, we call on all stakeholders to avoid speculation and allow the ongoing investigation to proceed without interference. Justice must be served, and the truth must prevail to honor the sacrifices made by the countless individuals for the peace we now cherish,” ani Sammy Al Mansoor.

“To all Commanders and Members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF), we stress that the unfortunate incident in Basilan was a result of miscommunication. As such, you are all directed to remain calm, exercise maximum restraint, and refrain from any actions that could jeopardize the long-earned gains of peace.

Uphold discipline at all times and adhere strictly to the BIAF Code of Conduct and protocols, principles enshrined in the peace process. Further, you are all directed to remain steadfast in safeguarding and advancing the hard-earned gains to the peace process”, ayon sa inilabas na statement ng BIAF.

Kaugnay nito, nanawagan din ang armadong puwersa sa Government of the Philippines at MILF na higit pang palakasin ang pinaiiral na peace mechanisms na binuo sa ilalim ng kanilang kasunduan.

“These mechanisms, built on mutual trust, dialogue and shared aspirations, are essential in addressing misunderstandings, resolving conflicts, and fostering unity. Strengthening these platforms is paramount to ensuring enduring peace, stability and development for all communities in Mindanao. (JESSE KABEL RUIZ)