By Rene V. Carbayas
ISABELA CITY, Basilan –
Government troops in Basilan is on a defensive position to block any lawless
elements from entering urban centers of Lamitan and Isabela Cities.
“The WESMINCOM (Western Mindanao Command) has
already sent reinforcements to Basilan and we are ready to face them (lawless
armed groups) head on,” says 104th Brigade Commander Col. Carlito
Galvez in a text message to Philippine Information Agency (PIA) here.
Armed groups believed to be supporters of
faction of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) harassed Barangay Colonia
in Lamitan City, Basilan last Friday. An encounter ensued between government
security forces and the intruders.
Hundreds fled their homes including residents
of neighboring Bulanting barangay in Lamitan where the MNLFs are believed to
have holed up. Sporadic aerial assaults in the outskirts of these barangays have
blocked the enemies. As of press time, government forces continue to defend its
position and keep MNLF forces from entering Lamitan Ctiy.
In Isabela City, security was raised to an
alert level when armed groups believed to be MNLF forces were sighted near
Masola barangay and at the outskirts near Lantawan municipality.
“Some 90 armed MNLF elements were sighted
near Masola and neighboring municipality of Lantawan, with the intention to
attack the city,” Isabela City Mayor Cherrylyn Akbar said in a radio interview.
She confirmed that the WESMINCOM had already
deployed additional forces for Basilan to establish blocking force in this
barangay and around the city’s periphery. She said that the military and police
assured that the government is ready to defend the city.
She also said that the continued sound of the
church bells and fire truck sirens shall warn the public when the city will be
under attack. She, however, called on the public to remain calm but vigilant.
“Since the attack in Zamboanga City, the
Isabela City Crisis Management Committee and the province were already convened
to prepare the city and the province for any eventualities,” Mayor Akbar said
in a radio interview.
Meanwhile, the Provincial Crisis Management
Committee has met Sunday to discuss measures to address the shortage of some
food items and goods as most of the goods come from Zamboanga City. With the
suspension of sea vessels plying Zamboanga-Basilan route since the attack in
Zamboanga, food supply and goods are running out in Isabela City.
The CMC earlier had been transporting stranded
Basileños from Zamboanga through a commissioned wooden cargo vessel. This
vessel also sailed a number of Muslim pilgrims for Mecca.
In Lamitan, hundreds of families have fled
their homes. At least 10 barangays were affected by the recent conflict. The
local Philippine Red Cross has already distributed some 140 relief goods to
evacuees at Datu Dizal Cultural center and Lamitan National High School in
Lamitan City. The provincial governor’s office, through the local DSWD, has
also prepared some 300 relief goods for the evacuees.
Lamitan Vice Mayor Roderick H. Furigay said
that an estimated 954 families have fled their homes. The DSWD are still
documenting the evacuees. He said that the current situation (as of Sept 15) is
still highly volatile. (PIA9)