Firefight transpires between troops, alleged Abu Sayyaf members in Basilan

An encounter took place between government troops and alleged members of the Abu Sayyaf group in Maluso, Basilan on Tuesday morning.

Information from authorities disclosed that the 20-minute firefight happened between members of the Philippine Army's 68th Infantry Battalion and more or less 15 members of the local terror group in Barangay Calang Canas.

Lieutenant General Cirilito Sobejana, commander of the Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom), told GMA News Online that there is no reported casualty on the incident.

Sobejana said clearing operation is still ongoing.

According to WestMinCom spokesperson Major Arvin Encinas, the group was under Furuji Indama. Information obtained by the military stated that the group was about to attack the area.

"While conducting security patrol in the area... after nu'ng naka-receive tayo ng information from this group of Furuji Indama will conduct IED (improvised explosive device) attacks," Encinas said.

He said the group was targeting military camps as well as urbanized areas. —KG, GMA News