36 Maute men killed in Lanao gunbattle

The military said yesterday that at least 36 suspected members of the Maute Group have been killed while three soldiers were wounded in heavy fighting in Piagapo Complex, Lanao del Sur since Friday.

Combined elements of the 1st Infantry Division of the Philippine Army and the tactical operations units of the Philippine Air Force launched an offensive against 162 members of the Maute Group starting midnight April 21, resulting in a series of encounters until the troops overran their camp in Piagapo Complex at about 10 a.m. yesterday.

The military led by Brig. Gen. Rolando Joselito D. Bautista, commander of the 1st Infantry Division, thereafter raised the Philippine flag in the camp at 2 p.m. The offensive is in line with President Duterte’s directive to destroy local terrorist groups by July 31.

Fortified bunkers, running trenches, and about 100 foxholes were found by troops in the camp in Sitio Pagalungan, Barangay Gacap.

Also found by troops during clearing operations were a body wearing camouflage uniform, war materials, fragmentation and rifle grenades, Improvised Explosive Device components, video camera, assorted uniforms, information on personalities, three motorcycles, foodstuff, and an Indonesian passport.

Bautista said they employed a combination of lethal and nonlethal methods to force the Maute Group out of their stronghold.

“Precision air strikes made the LTG break up into smaller groups to minimize collateral damage,” Bautista said.

Bautista said the recruitment by the Maute Group of teenagers from Barangay Tambo in Piagapo Complex prompted residents to report their activities and their camp to the military.

He said that the Armed Forces will continue to work hand-in-hand with the LGUs and communities in Piagapo and adjacent municipalities against terrorists.