NINE suspected members of the Dawlah Islamiyah-Maute Group on Thursday were killed in a gunfight with soldiers in Piagapo, Lanao del Sur, the Philippine Army (PA) said yesterday.

Eight of the slain terrorists were identified only as alias “Imam,” alias “Omar,” alias “Mikdad,” alias “Abdullah,” alias “Muhajeer,” alias “Hamza,” alias “Mauwiyah,” and alias “Mohaimen.”

Four soldiers were also wounded in the two-hour gunbattle.

Troopers from the PA’s 103rd Infantry Brigade, 1st Infantry Division were conducting operation in Bgy. Tapurog in Piagapo when they met around 15 suspected terrorists led by alias “Mahater,” together with alias “Engineer,” alias “Omar” and alias “Khatab,” who were allegedly the perpetrators of the bombing at the Mindanao State University on December 3, 2023, where four people were killed.

An encounter ensued that left nine terror group members dead.

The wounded soldiers were brought to Amai Pakpak Medical Center for medical treatment.

Brig. Gen. Yegor Rey Baroquillo Jr., commander of the 103rd Infantry Brigade, said troopers recovered at the clash site eight assorted high-powered firearms.

Lanao del Norte and Lanao del Sur and nearby areas were placed on heightened red alert following the clash.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Jane Eleda