By Francis Wakefield
Three government soldiers and two terrorists from a Daesh-Inspired Group were killed following an encounter between the two sides in Lanao del Sur on Thursday, March 14, 2019.
A military report disclosed that troops from the Army's 49th Infantry Battalion heavily engaged 10 Daesh-inspired Maute fighters while scouring Barangay Dinaigan, Tubaran at 5:04 p.m. Thursday.
The gunfight ensued for an hour and 30 minutes, resulting in the deaths of two Maute fighters, whose remains were retrieved from the encounter site by the troops.
Soldiers also seized two Caliber 5.56 rifles with an M203 Grenade Launcher, a Caliber .45 pistol, hand and rifle grenades, pieces of ammunition, and a bandolier.
On March 11, Abu Tahir and Abu Jihad died in the combat operations conducted by the 55th Infantry Battalion in Barangay Calaludan, Pagayawan, Lanao del Sur.
Troops of the 55th IB also seized a carbine rifle from the engaged Maute fighters on Monday.
“We are advancing upon the enemy target with deliberate offensives, hitting and inflicting heavy casualties on Maute fighters,” said Lieutenant General Arnel Dela Vega, the commander of Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom).
Unfortunately, three soldiers died and two others were wounded as a result of the encounter. Three other soldiers initially reported missing has already been found.
Troops transported the remains of slain soldiers to Iligan City for proper disposition.
“We console with the families of our departed comrades, who fought valiantly and paid the ultimate sacrifice. We lost not only brave warriors but comrades who served the nation with such devotion,” Dela Vega said.
“We are more motivated to continue the fight against spoilers of peace and progress in Mindanao,” he added.