Alleged member of lawless group killed

May 1, 2020

An alleged member of an armed lawless group was killed in an encounter with government troops in Sultan Kudarat on Thursday morning,  a regional military spokesman said.

The fatality was not identified, said Maj. Arvin Encinas of the Western Mindanao Command.

He said sthe clash happened in the vicinity of Sitio Kamanga, Barangay Laguilayan, Isulan around 5 am.

Encinas said troops of the 2nd Mechanized Infantry Battalion were conducting combat clearing operations when they faced around five armed men.

"The 20-minute firefight resulted in the death of one unidentified enemy, whose remains was retrieved by the troops in the area of engagement," he said.

"Also seized by the troops in the area were one M1 Garand rifle with four clips and 38 rounds of ammunition; three caliber.45 pistol; four magazines with 26 live ammunition; one backpack; one bandolier; one memory card; and notes with cellphone numbers," he added.

Maj. Gen. Diosdado Carreon, JTF Central commander, said the military is intensifying its combat operations "to pressure the lawless elements, drive them away from their strongholds, and convince them to yield."

Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, WestMinCom commander, said the military forces "remain decisive in our campaign to end the unlawful activities of the lawless groups and bring peace and security in Western and Central Mindanao." Robina Asido/DMS