1st Infantry Division now pursuing ASG, BIFF men who attacked community in Basilan

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 12): 1st Infantry Division now pursuing ASG, BIFF men who attacked community in Basilan

Troopers from the 1st Infantry Division are now pursuing the estimated 150 members of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) and Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) who attacked in Lamitan City, Basilan Thursday morning.

Capt. Jefferson Somera, 1st Infantry Division spokesperson, said the attack took place around 9:00 a.m. in Barangay Colonia, Lamitan City.

He added the encounter lasted for two hours and resulted in the wounding of three Scout Ranger troopers.

Somera revealed that the ASG men were led by Furuji Indama and Isnilon Hapilon while the BIFF were commanded by Basir Kasaran and Nurhassan Jamiri.

He stated that an undetermined number of the brigands were wounded in the fight.

Military personnel hurt in the firefight are now being treated at Lamitan City Hospital while civilians were evacuated to safer areas.

Pursuit operations is still ongoing.

Earlier, 50 heavily-armed members of the ASG and BIFF attacked a military detachment in Barangay Magcawa, Tipo–Tipo, Basilan around 7:00 p.m. Wednesday night.

Somera added that they immediately conducted a "fire mission" in repelling the brigands.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=565124