Ten soldiers and a member of a Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit (Cafgu) Active Auxiliary were wounded in an ambush in Basilan early Monday.

Maj. Genesis Dizon of the Army's 11th Infantry Division said based on an initial report personnel of the 45th Infantry Battalion were ambushed while traversing a road in Barangay Badja, Tipo-Tipo.

Philippine Army spokesman Col. Louie Dema-ala said government forces were on their way to the Army brigade headquarters from battalion headquarters when the incident occurred around 7:45 am.

Dizon said the wounded personnel were immediately evacuated to a medical facility while reinforcements were promptly deployed to strengthen security in the area and prevent any further threat to our troops and nearby communities."

"The JTF (Joint Task Force) Orion condemns this act of violence. We assure the public that appropriate security measures are being undertaken in coordination with concerned units and authorities to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and hold those responsible accountable," he said.

"Our troops remain vigilant and committed to fulfilling their duty of protecting the people of Basilan and preserving the peace and security that communities and stakeholders have worked hard to achieve," he added. Robina Asido/PHS