One Philippine Marine was killed and three other Marines injured in fighting Monday between government forces and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in Tipo-Tipo, Basilan, officials said.
At least 300 MILF members allegedly overran the municipality of Tipo-Tipo, Basilan Monday, according to Tipo-Tipo Mayor Tong Istarul.
Col. Rustico Guerrero, commanding officer of the 1st Marine Brigade based in Basilan said the MILF had withdrawn from the municipality before sunset.
But he confirmed that one Marine had been killed. He identified the three injured Marines only through their rank and surname: Corporal Timagos, Corporal Enriquez, Private Borlasa.
Also injured was civilian auxiliary agent Jalman.
Mayor Istarul reported earlier that two civilians were killed and three policemen missing following the town's occupation by the MILF.
But as of posting, Basilan Police Provincial Director Senior Superintendent Salik Makapantar said all of his men in Tipo-Tipo have already been accounted.
Policemen posted in the area were reportedly not able to react immediately since they were allegedly busy escorting the Board of Elections Inspectors who were transporting ballot boxes for the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) polls.
Istarul said alleged MILF guerillas reportedly even burned down several houses, forcing residents to flee.
Philippine Marines chief Gen. Nelso Allaga said fighting has stopped in Tipo-Tipo and that government troops are pursuing the MILF forces. -- with reports from DAVID SANTOS and QUEENIE CASIMIRO, ABS-CBN News
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