Basilan firefight may last for several weeks – LGUs

From CNN Philippines (Jul 9): Basilan firefight may last for several weeks – LGUs

[Video report]

Basilan (CNN Philippines) — Abu Sayyaf militants fighting government forces in Basilan may be in for a long haul.

Local officials expect the latest round of clashes in the tri-boundaries of Tipo-Tipo, Ungkaya Pukan and Al Barka towns to last for several weeks.

One indication is the deployment of more army troops in Tipo-Tipo late Friday to help augment security in the town proper and its municipal hall.

Earlier reports say the latest attack by the Abu Sayyaf group (ASG) targeted government buildings in the area, as the terror group aimed to raise the ISIS flag. The military earlier said the militants were led by Isnilon Hapilon, a senior Abu Sayyaf leader who recently pledged allegiance to the Islamic State, and Basilan-based commander Furuji Indama.

Military and police units in the area managed to repel the assault, as fear-stricken residents fled on foot to safer grounds.

Sporadic clashes between government forces and ASG fighters in the hinterlands began late Wednesday when the militants tried to enter the town of Tipo-Tipo. The lull in the fighting may be attributed to bad weather.

Following his meeting with Basilan officials, Autonomous Region for Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) Governor Mujiv Hataman said the military operation could drag on up to three months.

He said the goal is to flush out the ASG, many of whom had come from nearby Jolo Island, where there is also an intensified military operation against them.

Also read: Who are the Abu Sayyaf?



Dwindling food supply for evacuees

Relief aid from the provincial and national government has yet to come. Basilan governor Jim Saliman blamed the delay on government bureaucracy.

A social worker on the ground expressed concern over the dwindling food supply for displaced residents now living in temporary shelters.

“Sa ngayon, nakikita ko, meron pa siguro pero medyo paubos na. Yung iba meron nakapagdala ng mga plato nila,” Sara Tanjil said. “Hindi na nila kaya doon sa bahay kasi ang bagsak ng kanyon palapit palapit sa bahay, kaya natatakot sila.”

[Translation: “For now, I can see that there is still (food supply) but it’s running out. Some residents were able to bring plates… They can no longer stay inside their homes because artillery fire are getting closer, so the people are afraid.”]

Armed Forces chief General Ricardo Visaya was scheduled to visit Basilan Saturday but re-scheduled it the next day due to bad weather. Visaya was Basilan's former military commander.

Speaking to reporters in Zamboanga City earlier today, Visaya said his visit to Basilan highlights the new administration's refocused military operations, targeting mostly internal security threats such as the Abu Sayyaf.

Related: New AFP Chief vows ‘unrelenting’ ops vs. Abu Sayyaf, terror groups

http://cnnphilippines.com/regional/2016/07/09/Basilan-firefight-may-last-for-several-weeks.html