Three (3) local terrorists slain, firearms seized by troops in Lanao del Sur

By Jong Cadion

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur (March 8, 2017)- Three local terrorists under a certain Afgan were killed, while several high-powered firearms of the terrorist group were seized amid the focused military operations launched by the Joint Task Force ZamPeLan in the nearby province of Lanao del Sur yesterday morning, military official said.

Western Mindanao Command Information Officer Cpt. Jo-Ann D. Petinglay disclosed that elements of the 14th Division Reconnaissance Company were conducting combat operations when they encountered more or less 30 local terrorists in Barangay Ragayan, Poona Bayabao, Lanao del Sur. A 45-minute armed confrontation ensued, killing two local terrorists, based on the cadavers recovered by the engaging troops.

Cpt. Petinglay said, the Joint Task Force ZamPeLan also recovered three (3) M14; one (1) Garand; one (1) M16 with M203 attached; one (1) RPG with three ammunition; two (2) Improvised Explosive Devices; two (2) Garand magazines; one (1) M16 magazine; one (1) Rohner Group Solar with battery; and three (3) bandoleers belonging to the said group.

Meanwhile, no casualty was reported on the government side.

Cpt. Petinglay added, troops of the 51st Infantry Battalion conducted blocking, while all units were alerted to augment the operating troops. As of this press time, pursuit is continuously being conducted by the ground troops.

Major General Carlito G. Galvez, Jr., Commander, Western Mindanao Command, said: "This is a laudable accomplishment which resonates the sincerity and commitment of the armed forces to end local insurgency and bring internal peace in the regions of Mindanao."

"I commend the ground troops and further encourage the community to support the measures that we take", MGen. Galvez added.

Focused military operations against local terrorist groups and lawless elements are continuously being launched by the Western Mindanao Command in its joint area of operations.