Basilan Gov. Mujiv Hataman led an emergency coordination meeting with representatives from the military, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), and local government units following Monday’s ambush that left 11 government troops wounded.
The security meeting was convened at the Taguime Conference Room inside the People’s Capitol at the Basilan Government Center in Barangay Sta. Clara, Lamitan City, as part of joint efforts to bolster coordination and safeguard peace, order, and community security across the province.
Key security officials and local chief executives attended the emergency talks, including provincial chief peace negotiator Al-Rasheed Sakkalahul, Basilan Police Provincial Office chief Col. Edison Dumangas, and military leaders headed by Brig. Gen. Frederick Sales of the 1101st Infantry Brigade.
Also joining the discussion were senior MILF field commanders, Al-Barka Vice Mayor Mar Tokong, and Tipo-Tipo Mayor Arcam Istarul, whose municipality was directly affected by the security incident.
During the executive session, stakeholders discussed critical steps and strategic measures to synchronize actions among concerned security groups and local government units to maintain stability and ensure peace in the affected areas.
The provincial government also reaffirmed its commitment to proactive coordination among all peace stakeholders to protect security gains and maintain law and order across Basilan’s communities.
Officials at the meeting also assured the public of an immediate pursuit operation to track down and hold accountable those responsible for the attack on government troops.