ZAMBOANGA CITY (PNA) — Philippine Marine troops have foiled an attempt by combined Abu Sayyaf bandits and rogue Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) rebels to destroy a bridge in the island province of Sulu, military officials disclosed on Friday.

Lt. Col. Edgard Arevalo, Philippine Navy public affairs officer, said the troops were conducting area security operations along Baitamal Bridge in Indanan town, Sulu when the Abu Sayyaf and rogue MNLF rebels attacked them at around 4 p.m. Wednesday.

Arevalo said a firefight ensued and lasted for about five minutes as the troops from the Marine Battalion Landing-5 (MBLT-5) and MBLT-6 fought back the attackers.

Arevalo said casualties were reported among both government forces and the rebels.

“The perpetrators positioned themselves more or less 200 meters south of the position of the operating government forces,” Arevalo said.

“At their perceived opportune time, the enemy attacked. Firefight ensued for about five minutes,” he added.

He said the combined bandit-rebel attackers fled towards a Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) camp in Sitio Marang, Barangay Buasa, Indanan town.

Philippine Navy Flag-Officer-in-Command (FOIC) Vice Admiral Ferdinand Golez said the troops will continue to carry out its mission in protecting government infrastructure like the Baitamal bridge despite harassment from the lawless elements.