ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — Four fighters of the Islamic State-linked Dawlah Islamiya were arrested in Marugong, Lanao del Sur on Thursday, according to the military.
Abu Rasas, 18, said to be a sub-leader of the group of Fajarudin Pangalian, alias Abu Zacariah; an alias Saidi, 18, and two boys aged 14 and 16 were arrested.
An M14 rifle, a 5.56 mm M16A1 rifle, a 5.56mm R4 rifle, an M203 grenade launcher, a 7.62mm rifle, five improvised explosive devices and assorted magazines and ammunition were recovered from the four in Barangay Pabrika, Maj. Gen. Antonio Nafarrete, First Infantry Division and Joint Task Force ZamPeLan commander, said.
Personnel of the 32nd Infantry Battalion conducted the operation based on information provided by Moro Islamic Liberation Front members led by Esmail Cosain. Five MILF members joined the operation.
The military said the four were arrested while waiting for supplies and food from their supporters.