A SOLDIER and an alleged Maute Group member were killed in a clash in the province of Lanao del Norte, a top military official said on Monday, October 1.
Major General Roseller Murillo, Army’s 1st Infantry Division commander said the clash happened Sunday in the boundary of the villages of Malimbato and Dimayon, Tagoloan, Lanao del Norte.
Murillo identified the slain Maute group member as Hadji Rasol Mambuay alias Mercury.
Murillo said the clash ensued while the lawmen launched an operation to arrest Dianalan Dimanatang Imam alias “Papayungan” and Hadji Rasol Mambuay alias “Mercury,” whose group was involved in the 2017 Marawi siege.
Murillo said Mambuay was killed in the clash that lasted for about 10 minutes. Imam and the rest of their followers fled to different directions.
Murillo said the joint team of soldiers, police and National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) agents recovered from the clash site one M-16 Armalite rifle, a grenade, two units radio transceivers, one short magazine and bomb-making materials.
The identity of the slain soldier was not release. He belongs to the Army 4th Mechanized Infantry Battalion.
“Our deepest condolences to the love ones of our soldier and killed Maute remnant,” Murillo said.
He assured that the heroism and sacrifices of the soldiers will not be in vain. (SunStar Philippines)