23 killed, 6 injured in S. Philippine clash

Around 20 members of a terrorist group and three soldiers were killed while six other soldiers were injured in continuing clashes in southern Philippines since last Saturday, the military reported on Tuesday.

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesman Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla said the fighting broke out when the terrorists, initially composed of 40 men, attacked a military detachment in Bayabao village in Butig town of Lanao del Sur Province last Saturday night.

"The motive of the attack remains unknown," Padilla told reporters in a press briefing, adding that soldiers from the Army's 51st Infantry Battalion manning the detachment were able to defend their position.

"When (government) reinforcements arrived late weekend, the (terrorist) group was held at bay, were cordoned off and are holding their position as of press time," Padilla said as of 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday.

Sporadic fighting were ongoing as of Tuesday afternoon. Padilla said the enemy's strength has swelled to about 80.

A military official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said troops who were ambushed on Tuesday were from the 5th Mechanized Battalion. The ambush led to a 45-minute firefight.

The same source said the ambushers are believed to be followers of Edris Salindawan, alias Abu Hanif, commander of the 102nd Base Command of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front. Endit