We are saddened to receive news from Basilan about an encounter that started at 5:30 a.m. yesterday, October 18, 2011 at Sitio Bakisong, Cambug Village, Al-Barka town. We are also informed that the incident has caused some casualties. Some civilians have also been evacuated as a result of the incident. They are already being attended to by the relevant government units. The fighting has already stopped. We are certain that this is an isolated incident. This armed confrontation was not intended by both government and MILF.
We are confident that the current mechanisms for monitoring violations of the ceasefire agreement are in place and are effectively working. With the assistance of the Armed Forces of the Philippines as well as the ceasefire committees, we hope to be able to get a clearer picture of the causes of this incident.
In the meantime, the government panel in talks with the MILF is preparing for a meeting with its counterparts next month.#
http://www.opapp.gov.ph/milf/news/statement-gph-peace-panel-chair-marvic-leonen-basilan-incident
