ZAMBOANGA CITY — Three soldiers and three members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front were killed while seven others were wounded — including a junior officer — during a series of sporadic encounters in Ungkaya Pukan town in Basilan province.

An estimated 10,500 people fled their homes for fear of being caught in the crossfire between the military and MILF.

Reports disclosed that the encounter between the soldiers and the MILF started on Tuesday at Ulitan village and scattered to the adjacent villages of Mebak and Bato in Ungkaya Pukan.

Joint Task Force Basilan commander Brig. Gen. Domingo Gobway revealed that a member of the MILF in Barangay Ulitan started the conflict when he shot the escort of a military officer in the village.

The fatalities on the side of the government were identified as Corporal Alberto Dal Jr., Private First Class Nelson Bantoc and PFC Junry Vega — all were soldiers of the 18th Infantry Battalion.

The wounded were identified as Lieutenant Aurelio Fergene Torres of the 18th IB, Sargent Marlon Entorum, Corporal Balvestero Roxas, Corporal Ronaldo Gampoan, Corporal Alvien Zamoras, Private First Class Rixon Bucog and Private Alfie Java from the 64IB.