BARIRA, Maguindanao (MindaNews / 03 February) – An alleged member of Dawlah Islamiyah was killed while two others were captured during an encounter Thursday morning with the Marines in Barangay Lumbac, Balabagan, Lanao del Sur.
The fatality was identified as Saipoden Bangka Ayok, and those captured as Datu Saida Abikan and Alimusa Ayon Bagol.
They reportedly belonged to a group under Polo Alim, who operates in Lanao del Sur.
Recovered at the scene of incident were one M16 rifle with attached M203 grenade launcher, one hand grenade, ammunition of 5.56mm and 40mm, one transceiver radio, illegal drugs and drug paraphernalia, and other war materials.
Four Marines were slightly injured during the said firefight.
The group reportedly sought refuge in Balabagan, Lanao del Sur after being hunted down by military forces in Sultan Dumalondong town in the same province.
Local residents tipped off their presence to the military resulting in a military operation conducted by the Marine Battalion Landing Team–2 under the 1st Marine Brigade.
BGen Jonas R. Lumawag, commander of 1st Marine Brigade and Naval Task Group – Central under Joint Task Force – Central, they will never allow the resurgence of violent extremism in the coastal municipalities of Lanao del Sur.
He commended the MBLT-2 for its prompt response to the information provided by the residents of Balabagan. (Ferdinandh B. Cabrera/MindaNews)