SULU - A policeman was killed and 13 others wounded in the southern province of Sulu after security forces trying to arrest a former town official clashed with gunmen in the seaside town of Maimbung.
Among those wounded were at least 10 policemen, an army soldier and two civilians caught in the crossfire after the group of ex-vice mayor Pando Mudjasan opened fire on security forces serving the warrants issued by the court.
The daylong fighting in the village of Bualo Lipid on Saturday, June 24, forced some 5,000 villagers to flee their homes to safety. It was unknown how many armed men had Mudjasan fighting state forces for nearly 12 hours or how they managed to escape the fighting.
CNN Philippines, quoting unnamed military and police sources, reported that policemen, backed by soldiers, were serving search and arrest warrants against Mudjasan.
“Mudjasan is wanted for murder, as well as illegal possession of firearms and explosives. He is also a leader of the separatist Moro National Liberation Front, according to the Armed Forces of the Philippines Western Mindanao Command,” the report said, adding the fighting began at 7.30 a.m. and ended at dusk.
It added that Mudjasan remains at large and that there were no immediate reports of casualties on his group. The military’s Western Mindanao Command and the 11th Infantry Division, including the provincial and regional police have not issued any official statement as of press time for unknown reasons.
But the Bangsamoro Human Rights Commission in Sulu province on Sunday, June 25, strongly condemned the tragic clash that occurred between government troops and the camp of ex-mayor Pando Mudjasan. “This regrettable incident resulted in the loss of one police officer's life and left several individuals wounded, including innocent civilians. Furthermore, the clash has resulted in the displacement of approximately 5,000 people from their homes, further exacerbating their already vulnerable situation,” it said.
“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 with the injured civilians and we hope for their speedy recovery. Additionally, we extend our support to the displaced individuals and vow to work towards providing them with the necessary assistance and aid to help restore their lives,” it added.
The Bangsamoro Human Rights Commission has called for a thorough and impartial investigation into the incident, aiming to uncover the truth behind the clash and bring those responsible for any violations of human rights and international humanitarian law to justice.
“We reiterate our commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights for all individuals within the Bangsamoro region, regardless of their political affiliations or backgrounds. We urge all parties involved to exercise restraint and to 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. (Mindanao Examiner)
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