Army clashes with Maute group anew in Lanao del Norte

From UNTV News & Rescue (Aug 26, 2021): Army clashes with Maute group anew in Lanao del Norte

Soldiers from the 51st Infantry Battalion (51IB) Philippine Army (PA) again encountered around 30 members of Dawlah Islamiyah-Maute Group (DI-MG) in the mountains of Lanao del Sur and Lanao del Norte on August 21.

No casualty was reported on the government side in the gunfight that lasted for three hours.

The Army troopers recovered from the encounter seven improvised explosive devices, five backpacks, and a 15-meter commercial wire.

Immediately after the encounter, the engaged troops conducted pursuit operations.

Artillery units and the Philippine Air Force provided fire and air support to the operating troops on the ground.

According to 51IB Commanding Officer Lt. Col. Fernando Payapaya, the battalion is seriously determined to end the existing terrorism in their area of operations.

“We will never stop or even delay pursuing them. The only option they have is to surrender, otherwise, they will be slain and destroyed in our series of military operations,” he said.

It was the second time that the army clashed with DI-MG terrorists led by a certain Abu Bakar/Abu Zacaria.

On August 15, troops from 51IB also engaged 30 fighters from the same terrorist group, according to Brig. Gen. Jose Maria Cuerpo, 103rd Infantry Brigade and JTG HARIBON commander.

“We have received reports from the residents on the presence of the armed group, and the military units operating within the area responded quickly to the reports,” said Cuerpo.

Meanwhile, the military urged the local populace to continue to report any threats and illegal activities that disrupt peace and prosperity in their community to the security forces.

“We ensure the public that we will respond to their call 24/7 to secure and protect them from any threats and to sustain the peace and progress in our area of responsibility,” Maj. Gen. Gene Ponio, the 1ID and JTF ZAMPELAN commander said.

Almost 450 families from the municipality of Tangcal and Munai were affected and some of them were forced to leave their homes.

Soldiers from the 11th Division Reconnaissance Company and 4th Mechanized Infantry Battalion are scouring the forested area between Munai and Tangcal.

https://www.untvweb.com/news/army-clashes-with-maute-group-anew-in-lanao-del-norte/