He said elements of 103rd brigade went to Barangay Basak Malutlut following reports that Abu Sayyaf leader Ispilon Hapilon and Maute Group were sighted in the area. “Our troops were met by bullets from the Maute group, triggering a fierce firefight,” Herrera said. The apartment was adjacent to the headquarters of the Lanao del Sur police and was reportedly used by Hapilon and several Maute group members as a rendezvous. He said the firefight dragged and developed into pockets of clashes when Maute group symphatizers came in from nearby areas. She said Maute Group members also stood in the middle of the road as if waiting for soldiers to come as people sought cover from rains, and bullets too.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer May 23, 2017 10:32 UTC