Two alleged terrorists, one soldier killed in Maguindanao encounter

March 3, 2020

Two alleged members of a Daesh-inspired terrorist group and one soldier were killed in an encounter in Maguindanao on Monday morning.

Major Arvin Encinas, spokesman of the Western Mindanao Command (Wesmincom), said utilizing the military's air and artillery assets troops of the Joint Task Force Central launched an operation against the terrorist group under Salahudin Hassan.

Major Gen. Diosdado Carreon, commander of the Joint Task Force Central, said “the operation was launched in response to a report from the communities regarding the presence of the armed group".

Encinas said ground forces encounter the terrorist at the vicinity of Barangay Salman, Ampatuan, Maguindanao.

He said the bodies of two alleged terrorists were recovered after the battle. Also found were one Barret caliber 50 sniper rifle, one M14 caliber 7.62 rifle, and an improvised explosive device.

Encinas said two soldiers were  wounded, but one of them died while being treated in a military hospital.

Another soldier from 40th Infantry Division was wounded after they were fired upon by the enemy while conducting blocking operation at the vicinity of Barangay Mother Tuayan, Datu Hoffer, Maguindanao following the clash in Ampatuan.

Encinas said the wounded soldiers were being treated at Camp Siongco Station Hospital in Maguindanao while bodies of the two alleged terrorists were turned over to PNP-Maguindanao for identification and proper disposition. Robina Asido/DMS