UN condemns Basilan ambush; 2 soldiers, 2 attackers killed

The United Nations in the Philippines strongly condemned Thursday's deadly ambush in Sumisip town, Basilan province, which killed two soldiers and wounded 12 others.

Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito Galvez Jr. said the attack took place while troops from the 32nd Infantry Battalion were escorting a UNDP team for community engagement when unknown armed groups ambushed them.

Two suspected attackers were also killed during the clash, with one of the two groups allegedly linked to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

UN Resident Coordinator Gustavo Gonzalez stated that no UN personnel were near at the time and emphasized the organization's commitment to delivering peace and development programs in the Bangsamoro region.

Gonzalez expressed sympathy for those affected by the ambush and their families, reiterating the UN’s support for peacebuilding efforts in BARMM despite the security risks.

The UN conducts thorough security risk assessments before missions and highlighted this was the first incident involving a UN team since the implementation of the peace process.