Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. called for closer coordination among military forces, law enforcement agencies, and local government units following a recent ambush in Basilan that wounded 11 soldiers.
Teodoro, accompanied by Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Gen. Antonio Nafarrete, led a high-level security assessment at the headquarters of the Army’s 1101st Brigade in Isabela City, Basilan, to review ongoing counter-operations.
The military inspection took place following an attack by lawless armed elements on a convoy from the Army’s 45th Infantry Battalion in Barangay Badja, Tipo-Tipo town, which resulted in injuries to 11 military personnel, including a junior officer.
“The assessment focused on the prevailing security situation, ongoing military operations, and measures to neutralize local lawless elements and dismantle the illicit networks supporting their activities,” 11th Infantry Division spokesman Maj. Genesis Dizon said.
Dizon stated that Teodoro urged commanders to look past single security occurrences to secure long-term stability across the province.
“Look beyond isolated incidents and address the broader challenges affecting peace and order in Basilan,” Teodoro said, as cited by Dizon.
The Defense Secretary highlighted the necessity of safeguarding local populations, strengthening active law enforcement operations, and addressing operational linkages between armed insurgents and illicit drug syndicates.
Military and police authorities previously reported that the attack was likely orchestrated by a drug syndicate led by Saddam Siddick in retaliation for the death of his wife, Nermalyn Musa-Siddick, who was killed during a joint law enforcement operation in Lamitan City.
“He likewise called for closer coordination among the AFP, law enforcement agencies, and local government units to effectively address security concerns and sustain the gains of peace and development in the province,” Dizon also said.
Following the operational briefing, Teodoro traveled to Camp Navarro General Hospital in Zamboanga City to visit the injured soldiers and award military commendations honoring their service and bravery.