FIVE people were killed while three others were wounded in a clash between government troops and Dawlah Islamiya (DI) in the province of Lanao del Sur, the military reported Friday, June 2, 2023.

The Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) said the clash happened around 8:58 p.m. Wednesday, May 31, in Piangologan, Marogong, Lanao del Sur.

Westmincom said the clash broke out when the troops of the 3rd Scout Ranger Battalion chanced upon a group of DI-militants led by Abu Zacariah while on combat operation in Piangologan village.

The firefight lasted about five minutes that resulted in the death of four DI militants and a soldier.

Three other soldiers were wounded while three individuals who were caught in the crossfire were rescued by the troops.

The troops have also recovered one AR-15 Bushmaster, two M16A1 rifles, one R4 rifle, four long magazines for 5.56-millimeter, three radios, 70 rounds of 5.56-MM ammunition, one improvised explosive device (IED), one logbook diagram for IED, three cellular phones, three backpacks with personal belongings, and assorted foodstuffs.

The identities of the slain and wounded soldiers were withheld pending notification to their next of kin. (SunStar Zamboanga)