Richard Encisco Lt. Gen. Rustico Geurrero Lt. Col. John Paolo Perez Ghazali Jaafar Puriji Indama Nurhassan Jamiri Armed Forces of the Philippines - Western Mindanao Command MNLF Division/Ad Hoc Joint Action Group (AHJAG) Continued military operations (2nd phase) Abu Sayyaf Rogue MNLF fighters ~1,000 ~200 2 soldiers killed, 31 wounded 4 members killed Casualties: 18 militants killed, 14 wounded Note: MNLF engaged both army and Sayyaf militia (2000–2010) (2011–present) Battle of Basilan was a military offensive launched by the Philippine military to apprehend two lead commanders in the Abu Sayyaf Islamic militia wanted for corruption, money laundering, and terrorism related charges.

The main cause of the operation was Sayyaf leader Indama and his followers threatening and attempting to extort money from a circumferential road network.

[4] The Western Mindanao Command was deployed in an apparent operation to take custody of the suspects on terrorism related charges for beheadings and money fraud.

The operation involved the elite combat terrorism unit (Scout Rangers) and several brigades under the Mindanao Command led by Lt. Gen. Rustico Guerrero.

Early gun battles were reported in the Tipo-Tipo town around 2:25 and continued for a short period after soldiers of the 104th Brigade clashed with a group of 30 Abu Sayyaf militants later reinforced by another 30 more.

The army coordinated with MNLF 114th Base commander Hamza Sapaton of (AHJAG) who helped in logistical operations in tracking down leads on enemy movements.

The 1st Infantry Division a counter-guerrilla unit helped in search operations killing 7 militants including an MNLF collaborator but failing to get any information on Abu Sayyaf commanders.

Army Chief of Staff Gen. Emmanuel Bautista awarded Gold Cross Medals to wounded soldiers Lt. Col. Fernando Reyeg, the commanding officer of the 3rd Scout Ranger Battalion, and enlisted personnel Cpl.

[2] On April 29, army forces secured the island of Sulu where intelligence reports indicated wanted Sayyaf leader Indama and his followers took refuge from operations in Basilan.