Get Basilan ambush perpetrators dead or alive, soldiers told
The Philippine military has launched a one-month operation to capture suspects behind recent ambushes in Basilan. Officials believe the attacks were carried out by a local lawless group led by Saddam Siddick in retaliation for a previous police operation.
Why it matters
The escalation of violence in Basilan highlights ongoing regional security challenges and the military's struggle to maintain stability against local insurgent groups.
ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines - Army troopers have intensified tracking operations against groups of armed men responsible for two ambuscades that occurred in Basilan this month.
Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) acting chief Maj. Gen. Jose Vladimir Cagara yesterday ordered his men to capture the perpetrators dead or alive, although he said he prefers the suspects to surrender.
Cagara gave his men one month to capture the suspects. He issued the order following an ambush in Lamitan City on Thursday night, which killed an Army soldier and wounded eight others including two civilians.
On Oct. 5, an ambush in nearby Tipo-Tipo town wounded a senior Army officer and 10 soldiers.
All soldiers who figured in both ambuscades are members of the Army's 45th Infantry Battalion (IB).
Cagara expressed belief that a local lawless group and an illegal drug suspect, identified as Saddam Siddick could be behind the attacks.
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