Saturday, July 12, 2014

2 killed, 4 hurt as MILF forces attack Army units in LanaoDel Sur

From the Philippine News Agency  (Jul 12): 2 killed, 4 hurt as MILF forces attack Army units in LanaoDel Sur

An Moro Islamic Liberation Front sub-commander was killed along with an Army trooper following a clash at the vicinity of Barangay Bacayawan, Marantao, Lanao Del Sur Friday afternoon.

Also wounded in the encounter were two MILF operatives and two soldiers, 1st Infantry Division spokesperson Capt. Franco Suelto said.

The clash took place around 4 p.m.

The slain MILF official was identified as "Cmdr. Javier Macagaan" while the name of the trooper killed in action was not released pending identification of his next-of-kin.

Suelto said the incident took place as elements of the 65th and 51st Infantry Battalions were assisting the crew of PTV 5 (Bitag) on their documentary in the boundary of Municipalities of Marantao and Balindong, both of Lanao Del Sur.

At this point, Macagaan's men fired on government security troopers, killing one soldier and wounding two more.

Return fire from the 65th and 51st Infantry Battalion troopers killed Macagaan and wounded two of his aides.

Suelto said that encounter lasted for an hour until MILF retreated.

The body of Macagaan and his two wounded men were retrieved by their relatives.

While the wounded soldiers were taken to the nearest hospital for treatment.

The incident was immediately pacified and resolved thru the support of the peace mechanisms particularly the International Monitoring Team, MILF-Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH), civil society organizations and other peace-loving advocates in Lanao del Sur.

“This is an unfortunate incident and sad that our soldiers were ambushed while maintaining peace and security in the area. We extend our deepest sympathies to the families and friends of those killed and wounded. The 1st Infantry Division is fully supporting the Peace Process on Bangsamoro. We gave much importance on this stage of the Comprehensive Agreement on Bangsamoro and we will not let anyone spoil the gains of the Peace Process,” Suelto stressed.

Meanwhile, 1st Infantry Division commander Brig. Gen. Gerardo F. Barrientos, Jr., called on the MILF leadership in Lanao Del Sur to intensify the dialogue on their sub-commanders and communities to avoid similar incidents that resulted to waste of life and limbs on both sides.

“The 1st Infantry Division will actively support, advocates, and participates in peace-building in conflict-affected areas particularly in Bangsamoro communities. It will also hold consultations and dialogues with various sectors in the fulfillment of its support role in the government's peace thrust.

The immediate resolution of the Marantao Incident is the proof of the effectiveness of peace process mechanism. The Local Monitoring Team headed by Musa Diamla, International Monitoring Teams headed by Colonel Radzuan, the MILF-CCCH headed by Amerodin Usmanen, the 103rd Infantry Brigade and Civil Society Organization will continue its partnership in promoting peace and peaceful resolution of conflicts in this part of the region," he added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=662047

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