TWO members of the Daulah Islamiya-Maute Group (DI-MG) were killed while four soldiers were wounded in a clash in the province of Lanao del Sur, military officials announced Thursday, February 3, 2022.
Lieutenant General Alfredo Rosario Jr., commander of the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom), said the clash happened Wednesday, February 2, in Lumbac village, Balabagan, Lanao del Sur.
Rosario said the troops from the 1st Marine Brigade were conducting focused military operations when they chanced upon the group of Polo Alim, a DI-MG member.
“A firefight ensued after which enemy withdrew leaving behind the dead body of one of their slain comrades,” Rosario said.
He said the marine troops together with policemen of Balabagan Municipal Police Station recovered the remains of the slain DI-MG member, war materials, including one M-16 Armalite rifle with attached M-203 grenade launcher, one cellular phone, one grenade, and drug paraphernalia.
“I call on the people of Mindanao to remain vigilant especially during the election period where lawless elements are trying to disrupt the peace in the communities. Immediately report to the proper authorities any sighting of suspicious individuals and objects in your locality,” Rosario said.
Major General Juvymax Uy, commander of Joint Task Force-Central, said the rest of the DI-MG members fled, dragging along with them the remains of the other slain comrade.
Uy said the four injured marine troops were brought to Dr. Serapio Montaner Memorial Hospital in Balabagan for treatment.
They were then transported to Camp Siongco Station Hospital, Awang, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao for further medical treatment. All of them were in stable condition. (SunStar Zamboanga)