BASILAN – Approximately 300 residents have been displaced, and one rubber tapper sustained injuries during a fierce clash between government forces and an armed group in Barangay Materling, Ungkaya Pukan, Basilan Province. The incident occurred around 1pm today, June 16.
Police Major Alphad Osalli, the chief of Ungkaya Pukan Municipal Police Station, confirmed that the firefight lasted until 2pm when the armed assailants retreated in an unknown direction. This allowed for the prompt evacuation of the affected individuals, coordinated by MSWD Officer Nursira Estajal and Municipal Administrator Madznur Maturan.
Maj. Osalli added that the internally displaced persons (IDPs) from Barangays Materling, Boheh Suyak, and Brgy Lower Ulitan were temporarily sheltered in Ma’ahad Darul Ulum before proceeding to their respective relatives in neighboring villages.
Around 2:30pm, during a Chokepoint Operation at the Materling crossing, a rubber tapper named Aragon Sajid Abon, 38 years old and single, sustained injuries and was immediately taken to the Ungkaya Pukan Rural Health Unit for medical assistance.
Later, at approximately 4pm, Maj. Osalli, along with JPSCC Capt. Mizar Bame I Martires and Vice Mayor Ahmadin Barahim, conducted a briefing to address the armed encounters, minimize casualties, prevent the escalation of hostilities, and promote peace.
Earlier in the day, another group of unidentified armed men attacked an Army Scout Rangers detachment in Ungkaya Pukan, as confirmed by Provincial Police Director Col. Carlos Madronio. Fortunately, no casualties were reported.
The local authorities are closely monitoring the situation and taking necessary measures to ensure the safety and well-being of the affected individuals.
