Rights group condemns Sulu clash, calls for speedy probe

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 26, 2023): Rights group condemns Sulu clash, calls for speedy probe (By Edwin Fernandez)

EVACUEES. Civilians displaced by armed hostilities in Barangay Bualo Lipid, Maimbung, Sulu, on Saturday (June 24, 2023) are now housed in the town’s covered court and their immediate needs are being addressed by the local government unit. Skirmishes have already ceased and civilians are awaiting the green light from law enforcers to return home. (Photo courtesy of Maimbung LGU)

COTABATO CITY – The Bangsamoro Human Rights Commission (BHRC) has strongly condemned the tragic clash between government troops and the group of ex-Vice Mayor Pando Mudjasan in Maimbung, Sulu over the weekend and has called for a speedy probe into the incident.

The clash in Barangay Bualo Lipid, Maimbung town left a police officer killed and about 13 others injured, including six police officers.

Some 5,000 people were also displaced from their homes, further exacerbating their already vulnerable situation, the BHRC said.

In addition, it added that the incident resulted in the loss of a police officer's life and left several individuals wounded, including innocent civilians.

“We express our deepest condolences to the family of the fallen police officer and extend our sympathies to all those affected by this unfortunate event. Our thoughts and prayers are also with the injured civilians, and we hope for their speedy recovery,” BHRC chairperson Abdul Rashid P. Kalim, a lawyer, said in a statement Monday.

BHRC assured it is working towards providing the residents with the necessary assistance to help restore normalcy in the area.

Meanwhile, BHRC has called for an impartial investigation into the incident.

“The investigation must be conducted promptly, transparently, and in adherence to due process, ensuring that accountability is upheld and that the rights of all parties involved are respected,” it said.

BHRC also urged all parties involved to exercise restraint and prioritize peaceful means of resolving conflicts.

“Dialogue and negotiation must be given precedence to prevent the further loss of lives and the displacement of innocent civilians, it said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1204292