PAGADIAN CITY - Three pro-Islamic State militants were killed in a fierce firefight with security forces that left one soldier wounded in the southern Filipino province of Lanao del Norte, officials said Monday.
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| Photos released by the 1st Infantry Division show the bodies of slain Muslim extremists and their weapons following a firefight in Lanao del Norte's Munai town. |
Officials said the fighting broke out in the village called Lindongan in Munai town where elite members of the Army's Light Reaction Regiment and First Scout Ranger Regiment tracked down the terrorist hideout and engaged gunmen in a battle that eventually killed three of them.
"Our forces' unwavering dedication to safeguarding our communities and maintaining peace and security in the region is demonstrated by our encounter with the DI-MG (Dawlah Islamiya-Maute Group). The brigade will continue to work tirelessly to eliminate terrorist threats and maintain peace in our area of responsibility,” said Army Brig. Gen. Yegor Rey Barroquillo Jr., commander of the 103rd Infantry Brigade.
Barroquillo identified the slain extremists only from their aliases Nasser Daud, Masod, and Abu Jihad. "During the intense firefight, one government personnel sustained minor injuries," he said, adding troops recovered three M14 rifles from the dead men.
He said troops were still pursuing terrorists who managed to escape the April 13 fighting, although the Army has not released any progress report. "The pursuit operation is ongoing as the military continues to neutralize the remaining threats posed by the DI-Maute Group," the general said.
Maj. Gen. Gabriel Viray lll, commander of the 1st Infantry Division, lauded the soldiers involved in the operation, emphasizing the military's steadfast commitment to ensuring the safety and security of Lanao del Norte's communities.
The Dawlah Islamiya has been largely blamed for deadly attacks on civilian and military targets in the restive, but mineral-rich region of Mindanao. (Mindanao Examiner)
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