Fighting erupts in Lanao Sur

FIERCE clashes broke out between government forces and pro-Islamic State (IS) gunmen in the province of Lanao del Sur and left at least nine casualties, reports said on Saturday.

The fighting erupted in Barangay Tapurog, Piagapo town, late Thursday after members of the notorious Dawlah Islamiya (IS) attacked soldiers that sparked fierce fighting.

Col. Louie Dema-ala, Philippine Army’s Public Affairs chief, said nine alleged members of a terrorist group, including two linked to the bombing at the Mindanao State University (MSU) last month, were killed during the encounter.

Of the nine fatalities, eight have been identified. Among them were Saumay Saiden (also known as Ustadz Omar, Abu Omar, Saumay), whom the army said was one of four primary suspects in the MSU bombing; and Abdul Hadi (also known as Hodi Imam, Abday’N), who allegedly assembled the improvised explosive device.

Dema-ala said eight high-powered firearms were recovered from the scene.

Reports also said four members of the Army’s Scout Rangers were wounded in the clash.

The soldiers were tracking down the terrorist group when they came under fire.

The battle stopped after the remaining gunmen broke out in smaller groups and fled.

Soldiers have recovered the bodies of the slain terrorists, and the hunt for the Dawlah Islamiya members continues although there were no military and police reports of fresh clashes in the province.

Lanao del Sur is a known stronghold of the terrorist group.

Dawlah Islamiya is blamed for last month’s bombing of a Catholic Mass inside the MSU campus in Marawi City that killed four worshipers and the recent killing of two army soldiers in Munai town in the neighboring province of Lanao del Norte.