Terrorists kill Philippine soldier in southern attack
Dawlah Islamiyah terrorists attack army outpost, resulting in firefight.
MAGUINDANAO DEL SUR: Dawlah Islamiyah terrorists attacked a Philippine army outpost and killed a soldier in the southern province of Maguindanao del Sur on Saturday (July 20), it has been reported.
Private 1st Class Rosendo Gannaban from Alpha Company of the army’s 99th Infantry Battalion died during the afternoon attack on the roadside detachment in Pagatin 1 village, Shariff Saydona Mustapha municipality, PhilStar reported citing the Bangsamoro region police.
About 20 Dawlah Islamiya members, armed with M14 and M16 assault rifles, approached from two directions and opened fire, resulting in a gunfight.
The group responsible for the attack was led by Ben Harris Salamat, known as “Nakan” within the Dawlah Islamiya and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) terror groups.
Salamat is wanted for multiple crime, including murder, extortion, armed robbery, and aiding drug traffickers in exchange for money.
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The Dawlah Islamiya and the BIFF are notorious for their hostility toward non-Muslims and their use of violence to extort "protection money" from businesses and bus owners.
The soldiers inside the detachment fought back, wounding three of the attackers and forcing them and Salamat to flee.
Private 1st Class Lexter Lizardo was slightly wounded during the firefight, PhilStar reported further.
The army’s 6th Infantry Division, which oversees army units in Maguindanao del Sur, is investigating the incident.