Soldier killed in Maguindanao clash with ISIS-inspired group

A Philippine Army soldier was killed in an encounter on Monday with an Islamic State-inspired terror group in General Salipada K. Pendatun, Maguindanao, the military said Tuesday.

The military identified the fatality as Private First Class Army Garry Quitor who was part of the Alpha Company of the 33rd Infantry (Makabayan) Battalion.

Lieutenant Colonel Harold Cabunoc, the commanding officer of the 33rd Infantry (Makabayan) Battalion, said that Quitor "volunteered as the point man of the patrol despite the risks involved in the operations."

"His bravery will be emulated by the rest of my troops," Cabunoc said.

The military, citing informants, said that Salahuddin Hassan alias Orak and other "foreign jihadists" are "still trapped in the area after their boats were destroyed by the air strikes and artillery bombardments."

A .30 caliber Garand rifle was recovered during the encounter.

Both the military and the police are still tracking the terror fighters, adding that they have injured one terrorist.

"We hit him dead on because his gun malfunctioned as he attempted to shoot another soldier. We spotted stains of blood on the water lilies," Second Lieutenant Dennis Gamos said. —Marlly Rome Bondoc/KBK, GMA News