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Tuesday, September 09, 2008
Troops repel rebel attack in Basilan
ZAMBOANGA CITY -- Marine troops backed by militiamen have repelled an attack staged by combined forces of a Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) breakaway faction and the Abu Sayyaf in the island province of Basilan, a military official said Monday.
Rear Admiral Emilio Marayag Jr., chief of the Naval Forces Western Mindanao (Navforwem), said the attack took place around 2:30 p.m. Sunday in the town of Sumisip, Basilan province.
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Marayag said the MILF-Abu Sayyaf forces, numbering to more than 20, withdrew in different directions following a firefight with government forces.
He said not one among the government troops was killed or injured since they have already anticipated the attack. The attackers, on the other hand, were believed to have suffered casualties.
Marayag also said the attackers are led by Amir Mingkong of the MILF based in Basilan province.
He said the Marines had been on alert for the past weeks and were ready to thwart any attacks from lawless elements.
The attack Sunday was the second that took place in Basilan province within a week's time.
On August 31, combined MILF rebels and Abu Sayyaf bandits attacked Sitio Tambak in Candiis village in the town of Mohammad Adjul, Basilan.
The 1st Marine Brigade reported that MILF rebels and Abu Sayyaf bandits swooped down on Sitio Tambak, firing their guns indiscriminately and burning several houses including a mosque.
The attackers were led by Furuji Indama and Nurhassan Jamiri, both Abu Sayyaf leaders, and Hadji Gani Tiblani of a breakaway faction of the MILF.
Also on August 31, a two-hour firefight ensued when Civilian Volunteer Organization (CVO) members headed by Candiis village chief Ullah Abil defended Sitio Kasanyangan from MILF-Abu Sayyaf attacks.
The attackers fled upon sensing the arrival of Philippine Marine troops in the area.
Marayag said he deployed Naval boats to guard the shore of Basilan to prevent attackers from escaping while ground troops pursue them. (Bong P. Garcia/Sunnex)
For more Philippine news, visit Sun.Star Baguio. (September 9, 2008 issue)
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Military resumes air, ground offensives