By PNA and U.S. News Agency / Asian

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesperson Col. Arnulfo M. Burgos, Jr., on Saturday said that 64th Infantry Battalion, based in Lanao del Sur, is heading to Basilan to augment troops pursuing Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) bandits in the province.

Burgos said elements of the battalion were ordered to congregate at Cagayan De Oro for transport to Zamboanga City prior to airlifting to Basilan.

Troopers of the unit are expected to be in Basilan by Sunday or Monday at the latest.

Burgos said this in-line with the ongoing pursuit operations against ASG brigands who engaged and inflicted severe losses at Army troopers conducting security operations at Barangay Upper Cabengbeng, Sumisip Thursday.

Ten soldiers were killed in the encounter while 17 others were injured.

Nine ASG men were killed and undetermined number of the bandits were hurt in the issuing government offensive.

He said that another battalion is scheduled to be deployed to Basilan within coming week.