Manila, March 11 -- Military forces are pursuing an unidentified armed group responsible for torching at least 10 homes in remote villages of Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao del Sur, an Army spokesperson said Tuesday.

Lt. Col. Roden Orbon, spokesperson for the Army's 6th Infantry Division, said the 33rd Infantry Battalion deployed a quick reaction team to track down the armed group, which has been harassing barangays Malingao and Balong during the villagers' observance of the fasting month.

Shariff Aguak Municipal Councilor Datu Oping Ampatuan said the gunmen set fire to the houses on Sunday after the owners fled to safer areas upon spotting the armed men.

"I pity our brothers and sisters who have to endure the pain of fleeing even at night...