Government troops overrun rebel camp in Lanao del Sur

Government troops have already breached the defenses of the camp of the rebel group that has been the subject of military operations in Butig town in Lanao del Sur, an Army official claimed Saturday.

GMA News' Ian Cruz reported on Balitanghali that soldiers have broken into the first line of defense of the Maute rebel group and killed two more "terrorists."

"Nakuha na ang first line of defense ... dalawa ang napatay ng mga sundalo," Cruz quoted Lt. Col. Billy dela Rosa, Commander of the 51st Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army.

Also, Dela Rosa said government troops recovered two armalite riffles, a sniper barret, RPG, a radio and binoculars from a house inside the camp.

Moreover, Dela Rosa said soldiers have recovered pictures of several minors (male and female appearing to be aged 14 and above) carrying arms.

"May mga edad 14 anyos pataas ang nahikayat ng Maute terror group na sumali sa kanilang pangkat."

A total of 55 rebels have already been killed since clashes erupted last Saturday, Dela Rosa added.

Quoting military sources, News To Go on Friday reported that government forces have suffered five fatalities in the military campaign that has already dragged on for a week. 

Earlier, Maj. Filemon Tan, spokesman of the military’s Western Mindanao Command, claimed that the group is led by brothers Abdullah and Omar Maute, who supposedly have links with the Southeast Asian regional terrorist network Jemaah Islamiyah.

Also, he said that military materiel recovered during last Thursday's operations were two M16 rifles, two rocket propelled grenades and a home-made cal. 50 rifle, Tan said.

Sporadic clashes broke out on the evening of Feb. 20 when the rebels attacked a military detachment in Butig.

Government reinforcements came in, leading to a full-blown military campaign. — LBG, GMA News