IS terrorist killed in firefight with army in southern Philippines
The slain terrorist allegedly belonged to Dawlah Islamiya - Hassan Group.
MAGUINDANAO DEL SUR: A suspected pro-Islamic State local terrorist was killed in a firefight with the army in the southern Philippine province of Maguindanao del Sur on Saturday (Sept. 23).
Lt. Col. Ronaldo Mamangun, the army's 40th Infantry Battalion (40IB) commander, in a statement Monday (Sept. 25), said the deceased, Mermo Mling, was a member of Dawlah Islamiya - Hassan Group.
Brig. Gen. Oriel Pangcog, the commander of the army's 601st Infantry Brigade, said the battle broke out when troops from 40IB and Joint Task Force Central were shot at while they were conducting an inspection in Sitio Mayan, Labu labu II village, Datu Offer municipality, at about 6:28am, after receiving an alert from villagers about the presence of armed men.
"The reinforcement of our operating units was quick, so we immediately looked out for possible enemy, due to periodic encounters there," said Pangcog.
At about 7am, troops from 40IB's Charlie Company encountered five members of the terrorist group in Poblacion village, Ampatuan municipality.
The group was believed to be led by Nasser Guinaed.
During an investigation conducted in the area later, the military troops found Mermo's body left behind by his companions.
The government troops also seized one M14 rifle, one M79 grenade launcher, one cal .45 machine pistol, two improvised explosive devices, magazines, one Baofeng radio, two cellphones and other personal belongings from the deceased.