Government forces in Mindanao were alerted by the military leadership for possible retaliatory attack by Dawlah Islamiyah (DI) - Maute Group (MG) following the death of nine alleged Islamist militants during a series of counter-terrorism operations in Piagapo, Lanao del Sur last week.

Maj. Gen. Gabriel Viray III, commander of the Philippine Army's 1st Infantry Division (1ID), said troops were directed to be vigilant against potential ambuscades, bombings, and liquidation as the DI-MG is expected to get even with the military unit that killed nine of its fighters, including three who were implicated in a deadly bomb attack at the Mindanao State University (MSU) in Marawi City last month.

"As of the moment, they [DI-MG] are in disarray and on the run. But we cannot discount the possibility of retaliatory attacks against our troops through liquidation and other terror actions. But as to  bombings, it is very remote as of the moment," Viray said on Sunday, Jan. 28.

"We already alerted our troops plus pursuit operations are on going. We're currently on a heightened alert," he added.

Personnel of the 3rd Scout Ranger Battalion under the 103rd Infantry Brigade, 1ID were hot on the trail of the DI-MG militants who fled during the Jan. 25-26 operations in Brgy. Tapurong.

The troops encountered 15 members of the DI-MG led by a certain Mas'od and killed nine of them.

Those neutralized were identified by the Philippine Army (PA) as Saumay Saiden alias Ustadz Omar/Abu Omar/ and Saumay; Salman alias Mikdad/Miqdad; Abdul Hadi alias Hodi Imam/Abday'n; Lacson Timbang alias Abdullah; King Fahad Dalig Untie alias Muhajeer/Abu Khalid; Asnawi Mael alias Hamza; alias Mauwiyah; and alias Mohaimen. Another suspect remains unidentified.

The troops also recovered nine high-powered firearms and two improvised explosive devices (IEDs) following the operations.

Viray said security in Piagapo, Marawi City, and other nearby areas was tightened while the troops are tracking the escaped militants.

"It's just part of SOP [standard operating procedure]. It's better to be careful, right?" he noted.

Viray said the DI-MG under Mas'od's command has around 20 more remaining members, including two to four fighters who may have been involved in the MSU bomb attack.

The military launched focus military operations against the DI-MG after they launched a bomb attack at the Dimaporo Gymnasium inside the MSU on Dec. 3, 2023.

The incident killed four people and injured 72 others, mostly Christians attending a Sunday mass.