Probe sought on sea mishap involving US soldiers

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines—Former mayor Tahira Ismael of Lantawan, Basilan, has sought an investigation of the April 18 sea mishap involving American soldiers, which led to the death of a relative, and the wounding of another.

“We wanted a fair and just investigation, we wanted to know how it happened,” she said.

Based on information that Ismael got, her cousin Ahbam Juhurin, 56, and his 26-year-old son Akhul were on their way home after fishing off Muhamad Adjul town on April 18 when a US Navy Mark V craft hit their small boat.

Juhurin died from head injuries while Akhul remained in critical condition at the military hospital here.

“My cousin had been a fisherman all his life and that sea lane they were passing through was a common lane for fisherfolk,” Ismael said as she expressed doubt it was the fishing boat that hit the US Navy sea craft.

She said they also wanted to know why authorities tried to keep the incident from the public.

Ismael said authorities only confirmed the incident “after I started talking, they also issued a statement.”

Baffling

She said it was also baffling why the American soldiers on board the US sea craft, which was fully equipped with radar and lights, failed to see the fishing boat.

Ismael said it was good that the American soldiers brought the victims to the military hospital here but that was not enough.

Juhurin, a resident of Barangay Baluk-Baluk in Muhamad Adjul, had a big family and there should be financial assistance, she said.

Lieutenant Colonel Randolph Cabangbang, spokesperson of the military’s Western Mindanao Command, said the police were investigating the incident.

Basilan police chief Senior Superintendent Alex Lineses said the investigation was being conducted jointly by the military and the Isabela City police.

But Isabela City Police director Senior Superintendent Allan Nazarro said he was not aware of any investigation in connection with the sea mishap.

Tina Malone, information officer of the US Embassy in Manila, said in a text message to the Inquirer that they were saddened by the incident.

“Despite rescue efforts, one local fisherman was killed, and another injured in the accident. We offer our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of the victim. We understand that appropriate authorities have begun an immediate investigation into the incident and the (Joint Special Operation Task Force Philippines) is cooperating fully,” Malone said. Julie Alipala, Inquirer Mindanao