THREE suspected members of the Daulah Islamiyah-Maute Group and one soldier were killed in an encounter in Maguing, Lanao del Sur on Tuesday, March 1, 2022.
In a statement, Western Mindanao Command Chief Lieutenant General Alfredo Rosario Jr. said a combat operation was conducted by the troops of the 51st and 55th Infantry Battalions in Barangay Ilalag around 7:25 a.m.
He said the soldiers clashed with around 40 members of the Daulah Islamiyah-Maute Group under Hadji Satar alias Abu Zacariah.
“Firefight ensued, which lasted for three hours after which enemies scampered in different directions,” he said.
The clash happened following the close air support conducted in the area targeting the stronghold of Zacariah’s group.
The military earlier said that 12 bombs were dropped in the area to neutralize the targets.
Troops recovered the body of three terrorist members and one fallen soldier.
Four soldiers also incurred injuries during the clash. They were immediately brought to a hospital for medical treatment.
The troops also recovered several firearms at the encounter site.
Rosario said Satar is a top leader of the Daulah Islamiyah operating in Lanao del Sur.
Satar, he added, was involved in several terrorist attacks and encounters against the government forces, particularly in the municipalities of Sultan Dumalondong, Pagayawan, Madalum, Piagapo, and Balindong in Lanao del Sur.
Satar has a standing warrant of arrest for kidnapping, serious illegal detention, murder, and frustrated member.
Rosario assured the safety of the residents in the communities near the target site.
“To all the peace-loving citizens of Lanao del Sur, just remain calm and allow us to do our job. Your armed forces will not allow these terrorists to inflict harm on your respective communities. We will not stop until these lawless elements are completely crushed,” Rosario said.
“While we continue to operate, we call for prayers for the eternal repose of the soul of our fallen soldier and the speedy recovery of our wounded comrades,” he added. (SunStar Philippines)