Troops step up campaign vs Dawlah Islamiyah in Maguindanao del Sur
PEOPLE flee fighting between soldiers and Dawlah Islamiyah (DI) in Barangay Tuayan Mother, Datu Hoffer Ampatuan, Maguindanao del Sur on Tuesday. (Chairman Datu Mowen Ampatuan FB)
COTABATO CITY – The military has intensified their operations against the local terrorist group Dawlah Islamiyah (DI) in the mountains of Maguindanao del Sur.
Lt. Col. Ronald Suscano, spokesperson of the 6th Infantry Division (ID), said the operation was launched after civilians alerted the 90th Infantry Battalion (IB) about the presence of DI-Hassan Group in the mountains of Datu Hoffer Ampatuan town in the province.
One soldier was killed and another was wounded in the operation so far. They are both from the 90th IB. The injured trooper sustained minor wounds and is now receiving medical attention.
Casualties on the side of the terrorists have yet to be determined.
About 80 families from remote sitios of the town have fled to safer grounds following skirmishes that erupted between military forces and the DI group on Tuesday.
Major Gen. Jose Vladimir Cagara, 6th ID commander, said the Army particularly launched decisive operations against the terror group in Sitio Bagurot, Barangay Tuayan Mother, Datu Hoffer, Maguindanao del Sur, due to regrouping activities.
“There will be no letup in our combat operations against the remnants of DI-Hassan Group until this faction is eradicated,” Cagara said in a statement Wednesday.
Evacuees are now at Barangay Tuayan Mother covered court, where officials provided food and non-food items. (PNA)