3 TERRORISTS KILLED IN LANAO DEL NORTE CLASH

ZAMBOANGA CITY: Three pro-Islamic State militants were killed in a fierce firefight with government forces that left one soldier wounded in Lanao del Norte, officials said Monday.

Officials said the fighting broke out in the village of Lindongan in Munai town where elite members of the Army’s Light Reaction Regiment and First Scout Ranger Regiment tracked down the terrorist hideout and engaged gunmen in a battle that eventually killed three of them.

The fatalities were identified as Nezrin Sandab alias Firdaus; Saipal Abubacar alias Fariz; and Pabo Zainoden Radia alias Musab.

“Our forces’ unwavering dedication to safeguarding our communities and maintaining peace and security in the region is demonstrated by our encounter with the DI-MG (Dawlah Islamiya-Maute Group). The brigade will continue to work tirelessly to eliminate terrorist threats and maintain peace in our area of responsibility,” said Army Brig. Gen. Yegor Rey Barroquillo Jr., commander of the 103rd Infantry Brigade.

“During the intense firefight, one government personnel sustained minor injuries,” he said, adding troops recovered three M14 rifles from the dead men.

The exchange of gunfire lasted for about 20 minutes before the DI fighters retreated and escaped.

During the fighting, an army soldier sustained minor injuries and was immediately evacuated to safety and received medical attention.

He is now in stable condition, Linao said.

On March 28, a training officer of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighter (BIFF) was killed in a confrontation with army soldiers in Maguindanao del Sur.

He was identified as Abu Halil, training officer of BIFF-KF and brother of Khadafi Abdulatif, chief of staff of the BIFF-Bungos Faction.