Basilan (CNN Philippines) — Fighting continued between government troops and the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) for the sixth consecutive day in the jungles bordering Tipo-Tipo and Unkaya Pukan towns in Basilan on Tuesday.
But even as loud artillery blasts and heavy gunfire were heard from afar, residents were starting to fill the Tipo-Tipo town proper — that was left deserted last week.
Related: Thousands flee amid Basilan clashes
Vendors were back at the public market.
Government employees were reporting to work.
As truckloads of aid arrived, women and the elderly formed long lines to wait for assistance.
When the fighting first broke out, many of them were left to fend for themselves after they fled their homes.
The local government admitted that there was a delay in providing relief to these families.
It may sound cliché, but for some evacuees, the delivery of relief goods was better late than never at all.
Other aid agencies like the Philippine Red Cross are stepping in to bring more relief, especially since the clashes are expected to drag on.
Related: New AFP Chief vows ‘unrelenting’ ops vs. Abu Sayyaf, terror groups
Meanwhile, Tipo-Tipo officials wanted an ID system in place. This, they said, will help keep lawless elements from infiltrating their communities.
Authorities say the all-out offensive against the ASG could last for months, until they could all be driven out of Basilan.
