4 suspected Dawlah Islamiya, 1 soldier killed in Lanao del Sur clash —military

Four alleged members of Dawlah Islamiya and a soldier were killed in an encounter in Barangay Piangologan, Marogong, Lanao del Sur on Wednesday, the Western Mindanao Command (Wesmincom) said on Friday.

Three soldiers were also wounded during the encounter said the Wesmincom in a statement. 

Commander of Joint Task Force ZamPeLan Major General Antonio Nafarrete said the identities of the deceased and wounded soldiers are withheld pending notification to their next of kin.

During the operation, the military also rescued two minors and a female who are alleged members of the terrorist group.

Several firearms, ammunition, and explosive devices were also recovered from the encounter site. 

On Monday, the Police Regional Office Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (PRO BAR) reported that around 4,000 residents had been evacuated due to the threat of an alleged leader of Dawlah Islamiyah.

“The National Government, especially the leadership of the PNP, is very much [concerned] about the security and safety of the people of Marogong, considering that the threat posed by DI-MG in this municipality is very eminent because of the pronouncement through the social media of the leader of DI-MG,” said PRO BAR chief Police Brigadier General Allan Nobleza.

“We have deployed additional troops to oversee the peace and order in the area,” added Nobleza. —VAL, GMA Integrated News