Security forces clash with Sayyaf, leaves 5 civilian casualties in Basilan province

From the Mindanao Examiner (Feb 22): Security forces clash with Sayyaf, leaves 5 civilian casualties in Basilan province

Two civilians  were killed and 3 others injured following a clash Monday between security forces and Abu Sayyaf rebels in Lamitan City in the troubled Basilan province in southern Philippines, police said.

Police said the fighting erupted in Bohe-Ibu that killed two women. It was unknown who shot the women and wounded the other civilians who were trapped in the village when the fighting erupted.

The Western Mindanao Command and the local government of Lamitan did not issue any statement about the fighting and the death of the civilians, but the clash involved the local police force and army soldiers.

Authorities have blamed the Abu Sayyaf for the spate of terrorism and ransom kidnappings in Basilan, one of 5 provinces of the Muslim autonomous region in Mindanao, and other areas in southern Philippines.

http://mindanaoexaminer.com/security-forces-clash-with-sayyaf-leaves-5-civilian-casualties-in-basilan-province/