Dawlah terrorist killed in Lanao del Sur encounter

COTABATO CITY — Soldiers shot dead a member of the outlawed Dawlah Islamiya-Maute Group in a brief encounter in Barangay Kalangan in Piagapo, Lanao del Sur on Saturday, January 25.

Lt. Gen. Antonio Nafarrete, commander of the Army’s Western Mindanao Command, told reporters on Monday, January 27, that personnel from the 44th Infantry Battalion were patrolling a secluded area in Barangay Kalangan when they were attacked by terrorists from two directions, sparking a gunfight that left one attacker dead and a soldier wounded.

The soldiers had been dispatched to investigate reports from municipal officials and barangay leaders about members of the Dawlah Islamiya-Maute Group collecting money and food from villagers at gunpoint.

Radio reports on Monday morning in cities in Central Mindanao stated that villagers in Barangay Kalangan identified the slain terrorist as Usman, who died instantly from multiple gunshot wounds sustained in the encounter.

Soldiers found beside the cadaver of Usman an M16 rifle, an M14 rifle and a pack of incendiary powder and components for improvised explosive devices.

Nafarrete said they are thankful to local officials and traditional community leaders helping Army units in Lanao del Sur track down the few remaining local terrorists moving around the province.