A SOLDIER was killed in a firefight that resulted in the capture of an Islamic State for Iraq and Syria (Isis)-inspired Dawlah Islamiya (DI) encampment in Lanao del Sur, military officials said Tuesday, July 7.
Lieutenant Colonel Franco Rapahel Alano, commander of the Army's 55th Infantry Battalion, said the clash happened as the troops launched a combat operation Monday, July 6, in response to the reported presence of DI terrorists in Tamparong village, Madalum, Lanao del Sur.
Alano said they received a report that the DI terrorists were recruiting new members and forcing the residents to procure food stuffs for them.
Alano said a soldier was killed as he accidentally tripped on an improvised explosive device (IED) fashioned out as a landmine and left by the DI terrorists when they fled to different directions.
Colonel Jose Maria Cuerpo II, commander of the 103nd Infantry Brigade, expressed grief that one of the soldiers paid the ultimate sacrifice in protecting the province from the DI terrorists.
Cuerpo has assured that they will continue the anti-terror campaign until the province of Lanao del Sur will become terrorist free.
Major General Generoso Ponio, 1st Infantry Division commander, has vowed to sustain the offensive against the DI terrorist in his area of responsibility. (SunStar Zamboanga)