If this can happen in the 85%-Catholic Philippines, it can happen anywhere.

(GMA) — Thirteen soldiers were killed while 10 others were reported missing Tuesday as troops clashed with secessionist Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) rebels in the southern Philippine province of Basilan.

“Our troops were operating based on information on the presence of an armed group, possibly with kidnap victims,” said Lt. Col. Randolph Cabangbang, spokesman of the Armed Forces’ Western Mindanao Command.

Aside from those killed and missing, 12 soldiers were also injured in the clash, Cabangbang said.

In Camp Aguinaldo in Metro Manila, Armed Forces public affairs office chief Col. Arnulfo Marcelo Burgos said an M520 attack helicopter, an OV10 bomber plane and two Huey helicopters provided close-air support for the troops during the fighting.

Reports reaching the Philippine National Police main headquarters in Metro Manila said seven MILF rebels were killed in the clash, namely Ustadz Munip Habibun, Manap Limaya, JJ Rick, Kaharut Abdusal, Baddi, Sibin and Marijul.