Marines thwart MILF attack on Basilan camp

ZAMBOANGA CITY – Government troops repulsed close to 300 Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) rebels from attacking a Marine camp in Lamitan, Basilan late Monday, authorities said.

Two pro-government militiamen were slightly wounded as the Marines thwarted the rebels’ attempt to swoop down on Campo Uno, the headquarters of the 7th Marine Battalion Landing Team.

Brig. Gen. Rustico Guerrero, commander of the 1st Marine Brigade, said the MILF group “fled with heavy casualties.”

The botched MILF attack came after the military, on the directive of President Arroyo, stepped up its offensive last week against the Abu Sayyaf, blamed for the spate of kidnappings in Basilan and adjoining provinces.

The military said Abu Sayyaf groups led by Nurhasan Jamiri and Puruji Indama have taken refuge in areas where Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) rebels are present.

Guerrero cited intelligence reports that the MILF has given sanctuary to Abu Sayyaf bandits.

He said the MILF rebels have also been trying to attack their detachments in the villages of Cabangalan and Lagayas in Tipo-Tipo, Basilan.

“The troops were lucky enough (to be) aware of the impending plot and repulsed the attackers,” 1Lt. Steffani Cacho, newly designated spokesman of the Armed Forces’ Western Mindanao Command.

Cacho clarified that the ongoing operation is against the Abu Sayyaf, not the MILF.

Cacho said the military remains in control of the situation.    – With Jaime Laude