ILIGAN CITY -- Five Dawlah Islamiyah-Maute Group members were killed in a clash with troops belonging to the 5th Infantry (Duty Bound) Battalion on Wednesday (April 27) in the hinterlands of Barangay Ragayan, Butig town in Lanao del Sur.
The troops launched a massive offensive against more or less 40 members of the ISIS Inspired-Dawlah Islamiya Maute Group under a certain Abdullah, according to 5IB Commander Lieutenant Colonel Romulus B. Rabara.
Weeks prior to the operation, residents from the area reported the presence of armed men in the mountainous part of Brgy Ragayan. They feared the said group might be planning to disrupt the upcoming elections in Butig.
The revelations coincided with earlier reports received by the Army that the said armed group had been stockpiling construction materials and food supplies in the area, said Rabara.
The troops engaged the enemy in a 4-hour gun battle which started at 8:30 in the morning and lasted until noon.
Artillery fires from the 1st Field Artillery Battalion and close air support from two AW109 Attack Helicopters of the Tactical Operations Group of the Philippine Air Force provided support to the troops.
The bloody encounter resulted in the neutralization of five DI-MG members and the recovery of four high powered firearms, an RPG, numerous rounds of ammunition, one improvised landmine and other war materials.
Corporal Ruteric P. Jaralve of the Philippine Army was killed in the action, while another trooper was slightly wounded and is now in stable condition at the Army's Medical Treatment Facility.
Rabara said the encounter is proof that the terrorists are out to disrupt the peace and order whenever they are capable. He added it is the reason why the Army is aggressive in its counter-terrorist operations.
"We will never let them succeed,” said Rabara.
“Despite the unfortunate loss of one of our brother in arms, we will never abandon the fight against terrorists wherever they may be," he added.
The passing of Corporal Jaralve, who was a native of Bacungan, Samboanga DelNorte, will only strengthen our courage and determination to fight terrorists here in Lanao Del Sur. He will always be remembered and honored for his courage and dedication to duty," said Rabara.