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MANILA, Philippines 鈥� Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito G. Galvez, Jr. has called on the Moro Islamic Liberation Front to conduct its own probe into the ambush of Philippine Army soldiers in Basilan on Wednesday.听
Galvez also condemned the attack, calling it a 鈥渃owardly act perpetrated by lawless armed men鈥� targeting to 鈥渄erail the peace process in Basilan.鈥�
鈥淚 strongly condemn the attack in Basilan on Wednesday, January 22nd, which tragically resulted in the deaths of two soldiers and injuries to twelve others. This cowardly act was perpetrated by lawless armed men who intend to derail the peace process that Basilan is now starting to enjoy,鈥� he said in a statement on Thursday.听
鈥淲e also call on the leadership of the MILF to conduct its own investigation and help bring the perpetrators to justice,鈥� he added.
Based on reports, the two fatalities were members of the Army鈥檚 32nd Infantry Battalion. Six others were wounded in the same encounter in Barangay Lower Calabeng in Sumisip.听
Galvez also said they are now coordinating with the Basilan local government, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and the Philippine National Police to deploy 鈥渁ll relevant peace mechanisms, including the Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities, the Joint Peace Security Committee the Ad Hoc Joint Action Group, and Joint Peace and Security Teams.鈥�
鈥淢y deepest sympathies go out to the families of the fallen soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of peace,鈥� he added.听
Likewise, the Philippine Army condoled with the families of those who died in Basilan as it assured them of provision and full support to those who were injured.听
鈥淎s part of our firm resolve to sustain the hard-earned peace and progress in Basilan, we are working closely with local government units and law enforcement agencies to ensure that the perpetrators of this treacherous act face the full consequences of their actions and justice be served to our fallen heroes,鈥� the Army said in a separate statement.