Gov't forces, armed groups clash in Basilan

Four persons were wounded and some 7,000 individuals have fled their homes due to ongoing skirmishes between government forces and lawless elements and Moro Islamic Liberation Front supporters in Tipo Tipo town, Basilan province on Tuesday, Oct. 28.

- By LIZA JOCSON

The unidentified victims were brought to the Lamitan District Hospital in Lamitan City, Basilan.

About 1,400 families have fled their homes in Barangay Baginda and Tipo Tipo Proper, based on information released by the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office.

In a press statement, Basilan Gov. Mujiv Hataman stressed the need for continuous efforts to address the root of the conflict and maintain dialogue.

Hataman denied an escalation of tensions the night before.

"We had discussions until midnight, agreeing to wait for a joint letter assuring the family that the government would take the necessary steps to ensure justice," Hataman said.