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13 Marines killed, 9 others wounded in Basilan clash


Thirteen Philippine Marines were reported killed and nine others were wounded on Saturday after government troops clashed with suspected members of the Abu Sayyaf group in the province of Basilan. Col. Bartolome Bacarro, public information officer of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, said the incident happened in the town of Unkaya Pukan about 6:30 a.m. Bacarro said there were about 30 casualties on the side of the bandits, including Abu Sayyaf leader Umair Indama, alias Abu Jihad, and a certain Barad. "The operation was undertaken in coordination with local government units and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front in the area," Bacarro said. The firefight was still ongoing as of posting time. "The Marines' display of unwavering gallantry in this government-initiated engagement is commendable," Bacarro said in a statement sent to reporters Saturday afternoon. A GMA Television reporter close to the scene reported troops, tanks, and helicopters were rushing to the area. Gunfire could still be heard in the background as he reported from the area at about 12:30 p.m. local time. It was the bloodiest clash on Basilan since 14 marines were killed in an ambush last month. - GMANews.TV with AP

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