MANILA, Philippines - Joint police and military forces on Friday morning launched a major offensive at the bailiwick of a losing mayoralty candidate, whose supporters allegedly torched 5 school buildings in Akbar town, Basilan province.

Provincial police commander, Senior Superintendent Antonio Mendoza, said that as of 2 p.m. Friday, Marines were engaged in a heavy firefight against the group of losing Akbar mayoralty candidate Hadjarun Jamiri.

Mendoza said joint police and military teams charged at Jamiri's stronghold at Sitio Libi, Barangay Bulanting in Lamitan City.

He said 2 supporters of Jamiri have been arrested. Seized from them were firearms, ammunition and camouflage uniforms.

The offensive was launched after Jamiri's group alleged torched 5 school buildings in the villages of Mangalut, Paguengan, Caddayan, Upper Sinangkapan and Semut in Akbar town.

Police said the group initially set fire a school building in last May 11 after the proclamation of Jamiri's opponent in the mayoral race.

The torching went on until May 12 (Wednesday). -- Report from Noel Alamar, radio dzMM