An alleged member of the Daulah Islamiyah-Maute Group (DI-MG) was killed in a series of clashes with government forces in Barangay Kalangan, Piagapo, Lanao del Sur, on January 25.
Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom) Commander Major General Antonio Nafarrete reported that two separate encounters took place, each lasting approximately 15 minutes.
The first encounter occurred at around 12:55 P.M., when troops from the 8th Scout Ranger Company (8SRC) clashed with an undetermined number of DI-MG members.
Following the first encounter, a second 15-minute firefight occurred a few hours later, when troops from the 44th Infantry Battalion (44IB) engaged roughly 10 DI-MG members, believed to be under the leadership of Alias Usman, during a decisive military operation (DMO) in the same barangay.
The clashes between DI-MG members and military troops resulted in the death of an unidentified DI-MG member.
Authorities recovered several war materials at the scene, including one M16 rifle, one M14 rifle, 32 rounds of 5.56mm ammunition, two rifle grenades, five 7.62mm magazines, eight M1 Garand clips, three 5.56mm magazines, one IED circuit indicator, and various personal items
Meanwhile, one government troop was reported wounded and is currently receiving medical treatment for a swift recovery.
“Our pursuit against the remaining threats to the peace and security that is already evidently present in our AOR sends a clear message to the militant groups that we will not allow them to rest while innocent lives suffer from the terrors they deliberately inflict,” Maj. Gen. Nafarrete stated.
Nafarrete strongly urged militant groups to surrender to the authorities and choose a life free from violence.
