At least nine alleged members of the Dawlah Islamiyah-Maute terrorist group were killed during a clash with grovernment troops on Thursday afternoon in Tapurog, Paigapo town in Lanao del Sur, a military official said Saturday.
In a statement, Philippine Army public affairs chief Colonel Louie Dema-ala said that of the nine fatalities, eight were identified including some of the perpetrators of the Mindanao State University bombing last December 3, 2023 which led to the death of 4 people.
Among those who were killed was Saumay Saiden (also known as Ustadz Omar, Abu Omar, Saumay), one of four primary suspects allegedly involved in the said MSU bombing, and Abdul Hadi (also known as Hodi Imam, Abday'N) who allegedly assembled the improvised explosive device used in the said bombing incident.
The slain suspects were identified as alias Omar, alias Mikdad, alias Imam, alias Abdullah, alias Muhajeer, alias Hamza, alias Mauwiyah, alias Mohaimen and a still unidentified.
Dema-ala said eight high-powered firearms were recovered.
"We call upon the community to remain vigilant and collaborate with the Army and government authorities as we collectively work towards eliminating the threat posed by local terrorist groups," Dema-ala said in a statement.
Meanwhile, four soldiers were injured during the clash. They were brought to a nearby hospital.
Lanao del Norte and Lanao del Sur and nearby areas were placed on heightened red alert following the clash.
