Three suspected members of the Maute group were killed Tuesday, March 7, at around 9 a.m. in a clash with soldiers at the hinterlands of Poona Bayabao, Lanao del Sur.
Philippine Army’s 103rd Brigade Commander Nixon Fortes said the operation was a joint undertaking with the units from the 51st Infantry Battalion led by Lieutenant Colonel Mel Brual and soldiers from the 15th Division Reconnaissance Company.
Fortes said soldiers recovered from the encounter site three M14 rifles, one M16 rifle with attached M203 grenade launcher, a recoilless rifle, a Garand rifle, a Propelled Grenade, improvised explosive devices, and assorted ammunition.
Fortes said the Maute group wanted to establish a base in Lanao del Sur “to be controlled by Isis (Islamic State of Iraq and Syria).”
“The three members of Maute group are responsible in kidnapping, carnapping of vehicles, ambush cage and extortion,” Fortes said.
Fortes said there is no let up in the conduct of operations against the local terrorists. Earlier, Abu Sayaff Group leader Isnilon Hapilon was reported injured in an airstrike and is believed to be hiding in the forest of Butig closely guarded by Tausug fighters.
Fortes urged the public in the nearby cities of Iligan and Cagayan de Oro to be more vigilant and inform the authorities of the presence of any suspicious personalities in their areas.
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