Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 13) – Unidentified gunmen ambushed the vice mayor of Ungkaya Pukan town and government escorts in Basilan, leaving one dead and several wounded Saturday noon, the Armed Forces of the Philippines Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) said Sunday.
“At about 3:45 p.m., one platoon of the Alpha Company of the 64IB (Infantry Battalion), together with Vice Mayor Ahmadin Baharim of Ungkaya Pukan and JPST (Joint Peace and Security Team) onboard two KM450 and two civilian vehicles were ambushed in Barangay Ulitan, Ungkaya Pukan, Basilan Province by more or less 10 unidentified perpetrators,” the Westmincom said in a statement.
The ambush took place when Baharim and his government escorts were inspecting Brgy. Ulitan in preparation for an upcoming medical outreach program for the local community.
Authorities said the firefight lasted five minutes and resulted in the death of one soldier. Nine others, including one police officer, were wounded.
“This act is a clear manifestation of the perpetrators’ disrespect to their local government officials, the military, and their fellow Basileñ os, hence, we will not stop until these heartless individuals are identified and neutralized,” the Westmincom said.
