THREE people were wounded in a firefight between two groups of fishermen, who have long standing dispute off shore Basilan province, the police said Tuesday, April 24.

The Basilan Police Provincial Office reported the firefight happened at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday near Caluitan Island, Luuk-Maluha village, Lantawan town.

The police identified the victims as Baser Hasim Sagdi, Michael Majindi Amiril, and Amiril Mawali, all residents of Lawi-Lawi village, Lantawan.

The police said the victims were followers of Jul Amri Majindi, whose group has long standing dispute against the group of Ibrahim Alam. Both groups are residents of Lawi-Lawi village.

Investigation showed the firefight ensued when they crossed paths at sea while both groups were on fishing venture.

The police said the firefight lasted for about 10 minutes before they dispersed to different directions.

The police said the Majindi group retrieved their wounded companions and rushed them to a hospital in Isabela City.

Police and military troops were sent to the area to “neutralize the situation” and apprehend those involved in the firefight. (SunStar Philippines)