Get Basilan ambush perpetrators dead or alive, soldiers told

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — Army troopers have intensified tracking operations against groups of armed men responsible for two ambuscades that occurred in Basilan this month.

Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) acting chief Maj. Gen. Jose Vladimir Cagara yesterday ordered his men to capture the perpetrators dead or alive, although he said he prefers the suspects to surrender.

Cagara gave his men one month to capture the suspects. He issued the order following an ambush in Lamitan City on Thursday night, which killed an Army soldier and wounded eight others including two civilians.

On Oct. 5, an ambush in nearby Tipo-Tipo town wounded a senior Army officer and 10 soldiers.

All soldiers who figured in both ambuscades are members of the Army’s 45th Infantry Battalion (IB).

Cagara expressed belief that a local lawless group and an illegal drug suspect, identified as Saddam Siddick could be behind the attacks.

The Westmincom described Siddick and his group as criminals rather than a major security threat.

Cagara said Siddick may have been enjoying support from local contacts, particularly relatives.

The military will use its available personnel and other operational assets to track down Siddick, Cagara said.

“We will not stop hunting him,” he said.

Probers expressed belief the attacks could be in retaliation for the death of Siddick’s wife during a joint operation of the police and the 45IB in Lamitan last month.

Cagara also ordered soldiers to conduct clearing operations, secure main supply routes, coordinate with local government units, activate intelligence networks and strengthen operational security.

He said protecting civilians remains a primary concern after a man and his 10-year-old son were wounded in the attack in Lamitan.