Soldier killed in Basilan ambush on first wedding anniversary

DAVAO CITY – A soldier’s first wedding anniversary turned into a day of tragedy after Corporal Orland James Diamel was killed in an ambush in Sumisip, Basilan, on January 22, 2025.

 Diamel, who was among those providing security for a United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) inspection, leaves behind his grieving wife, Judelyn, and their seven-month-old son.

Judelyn, who had hoped to celebrate a milestone with her husband, is now grappling with an unimaginable loss. Diamel’s mother expressed her devastation, saying, “My son was just trying to provide for his family. He didn’t deserve this. Please show mercy to my son.”

The attack also claimed the life of Private First Class Mark Barat, another soldier from the 32nd Infantry Battalion (IB). Twelve others were injured in the ambush, reportedly carried out by members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). The soldiers were securing UNDP representatives who had visited the area to inspect development projects when the attack occurred at around 4:00 PM.

Brigadier General Alvin Luzon, commander of the 101st Brigade, said the military had coordinated with the MILF in Basilan before the ambush. However, the attack raises questions about the coordination mechanisms and the safety of peace and development workers in conflict-affected areas.

The incident has prompted Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff General Romeo Brawner Jr. to hold a command conference at the 101st Infantry Brigade headquarters in Tabiawan, Isabela City, on January 23. The military leadership is expected to reassess security measures and address the breach of coordination protocols.

The Provincial Government of Basilan condemned the attack, calling it a grave assault on peace and security efforts in the region. In a statement, the provincial leadership urged residents to remain vigilant while assuring them that authorities have the situation under control.

The ambush underscores the challenges of implementing development projects in areas still grappling with the remnants of conflict. The MILF, which signed a peace agreement with the Philippine government, is expected to support peace initiatives under the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). However, incidents like this highlight the complexities of achieving lasting peace.

The UNDP representatives were unharmed in the incident, but the attack casts a shadow over the peace and development programs designed to uplift conflict-affected areas like Basilan.

The deaths of Corporal Diamel and Private First Class Barat underscore the sacrifices made by soldiers to protect civilians and support peacebuilding efforts. The AFP is now conducting investigations to identify those responsible for the ambush and to prevent similar incidents in the future.

The attack is a stark reminder of the risks faced by both military personnel and civilians working toward peace in volatile regions. Authorities continue to call for vigilance and cooperation from local communities as they work to bring stability to Basilan.