20 terrorists, 3 soldiers slain in Lanao clashes

At least 20 members of a local terrorist group and three soldiers were killed in series of skirmishes in Lanao del Sur, the military said yesterday.

Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla, spokesman of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), said fighting broke out late Saturday night when the local terror group whose leaders were identified only as Maute brothers attacked an Army detachment in Barangay Bayabao Poblacion, Butig town, Lanao del Sur.

“The motive for the attack remains unknown and our troops were able to defend their position,” Padilla said, adding that two soldiers were killed and six others were wounded in the attack.

“When reinforcement arrived late weekend, the group of the Maute brothers was cordoned off by our troops,” said Padilla.

According to the AFP spokesman, the enemies are still holding their position as of press time.

He further said that around 20 were killed and scores wounded from the ene- my side, though the number of casualties from the group of the Maute brothers is still subject for verification.

Earlier reports said that among those killed from the enemy side was a foreign national, but Padilla said that they have yet to confirm this.

The troops operating on the ground were supported by Air Force OV10s that conducted bomb runs on known enemy positions and MG520s that provided close air support for maneuvering units.

“May artillery support din,” he added.

Yesterday at around 10: 45 a. m., armed men ambushed a convoy of troops from the 5th Mechanized Battalion on their way to reinforce the engaged soldiers in Barangay Bayabao Poblacion.

The ambush took place in Barangay Pantara-Bato, Tugaya town, Lanao Del Sur. One soldier was killed and another wounded as a result of the incident.

Asked who staged the ambush, Padilla replied, “Maaring kasama din nila (group of Maute brothers) or kamaganak.”