KUTA
SANG-AN – The 18th Infantry
Battalion in coordination with the stakeholders in Basilan specially the MILF,
MNLF and Local Government Units of Lamitan City, Tipo-tipo and Albarka all of
Basilan facilitated the safe and successful release of eight (8) abducted
civilians at Brgy Bohe Lebung, Tipo-tipo, Basilan Province around 11:40 in the
morning today.
According
to Lt. Col. CJ Paolo P Perez, Commanding Officer of 18IB, the release of the
eight (8) civilians becomes positive due to the support of Hon Damsalam Lajid,
Mayor of Albarka; Hon Thong Istarul, Mayor of Tipo-tipo; former Basilan Vice
Governor Alrashid Sakalahul, and the members of MILF and MNLF. The victims were
identified as Faija Banua (44), Satra Banua (13), Haide Banua (9), Dalma
Ambihal (50), Hapsa Ambihal (28), Kalipa Ambihal (22), Pasri Ambihal (2) and
Haipa Hambihal (5). The eight (8) were abducted last 11 July 2013 in the
vicinity of Triangle, Brgy Malinis, Lamitan City Basilan by the group of a
certain Aka Addung.
The
release of the victims is in compliance of the other party for the release of
the other three abducted (3) victims identified as Hudjaima Ahlil (21), Karima
Ahlil (15) and Raida Ahlil (13) at So Riverside, Brgy Matibay, Lamitan City,
Basilan around 7:00 in the evening yesterday. The three (3) were abducted last
9 July 2013, LTC Perez, added.
Bgen
Felicito Virgilio M Trinidad Jr, Acting Commander of 1st Infantry
Division commended the Local Government Units of Basilan, Officers and
personnel of 104th Brigade especially 18IB for the successful
negotiation leading to the release of the victims by saying: “I congratulate
the Local Government Units of Basilan, our MNLF and MILF brothers and our
soldiers for making the contending parties solved their disagreement in
peaceful way.” end
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
