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| Southeast Asia |
| Two killed in Basilan clashes |
| 2014-02-08 |
| Two government militiamen were killed and five others injured in a clash late Friday with gunmen in the southern Philippine province of Basilan. Officials said the fighting broke out in Sumisip town where gunmen earlier threatened workers for a government water project. Capt. Jefferson Mamauag, a spokesman for the 1st Infantry Division, said troops belonging to the 64th Infantry Battalion fought with about 15 gunmen under Kotatong Balaman. He said, “There could be more casualties from the enemy side as bloodstains were spotted in their routes of withdrawal." Lt. Col. Leandro Dacumos, the battalion commander, said villagers reported gunmen in the area and sought assistance. He said, “The encounter was in response to a report by concerned citizens regarding the presence of armed lawless elements sighted at the water system project of the local government. The lawless elements occupied the area and threatened the workers of the project." The military did not say if the gunmen were members of the Abu Sayyaf or Moro Islamic Liberation Front which are actively operating in the area. |
| Posted by:ryuge |