Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo Brawner confirmed on Monday, February 19, that two alleged Dawlah Islamiyah-Maute Group (DI-MG) members and six soldiers were killed in an military operation in Munai, Lanao del Norte.

In a statement released on AFP's official Facebook page, Brawner said the military operations against DI-MG, which is tagged as the perpetrator in the bombing at the Mindanao State University (MSU) in Marawi City last year, happened last Sunday, February 18.

"[R]esulting to 2 more dead among the enemy and several others wounded based on intelligence information. However, six of our valiant soldiers paid the ultimate sacrifice," he said.

The AFP Chief added that four other troops sustained injuries and were sent to Camp Evangelista Station Hospital for treatment.

He extended his sincere sympathies to the slain soldiers' bereaved families and assured them that "justice will be meted and all efforts will be exhausted in pursuit of the enemy."

The AFP's Sunday operation comes after the "successful" military operation commenced last January which led to the death of Khadafi Mimbesa, alias 'Engineer', who is said to be the mastermind in the MSU-Marawi bombing.

Brawner assured that they remain "relentless in its pursuit operations" against DI-MG members.