CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao del Norte – Prompt action by military forces, who responded to civilian reports of armed men in Shariff Saydona Mustapha town, successfully thwarted an attempt by a lawless armed group to sow terror in Maguindanao del Sur, an Army officer reported here on Monday.

Lt. Col. Al Victor Burkley, commander of the 6th Infantry Battalion, said a team of soldiers was immediately dispatched to Barangay Pagatin 1 about 2 p.m. on Sunday following credible civilian reports of gunmen loitering in the area.
Upon approaching the suspects' reported location, the armed men opened fire on the advancing government forces, triggering an immediate retaliatory response. A brief five-minute firefight ensued.
“The gunmen hastily fled the area when the Army troops advanced towards their position,” Burkley said.
Following the swift engagement, clearing operations conducted by the soldiers resulted in the discovery of an abandoned .30-caliber sniper rifle, a Garand rifle, a rocket-propelled grenade launcher, five rifle grenades, and assorted ammunition.
Burkley said pursuit operations are currently underway against the fleeing suspects, who are believed to be members of the Dawlah Islamiyah and Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters extremist groups. (PNA)