2 alleged Maute leaders, 8 others killed in Lanao del Sur encounter

Ten alleged members of the Dawlah Islamiya-Maute Group (DI-MG), including two leaders, were killed in an armed encounter in Lanao del Sur Friday, the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) said.

In a statement, the CIDG said the clash occurred from 1:05 a.m. to 9 a.m. in Barangay Banga, Marantao town during a manhunt operation against suspects identified as alias "Usman" and alias "Muslih."

Usman is the supposed amir or leader of DI-MG while Muslih is the sub-leader.

They have warrants of arrest for murder, frustrated homicide, homicide, and kidnapping and serious illegal detention.

“Upon the approach of the operating teams in the hideout of the accused, they were greeted with heavy burst of fires from numerous unlawful aggressors,” the CIDG said.

“The operating teams necessitated to defend themselves, they returned fire to repel the lethal attack of the unlawful aggressors that resulted in armed encounter and unfortunate neutralization of 10 members of the DI-MG,” the CIDG said.

Fatalities include Usman and Musliha, as well as four male and four female individuals.

Recovered were four light weapons such as two M16 rifles, an M4 rifle, an M1 garand rifle, a caliber 38 revolver; a hand grenade, and several improvised explosive device (IED) components, according to the police.

“The group is allegedly sowing fears in the community through terroristic activities. They are allegedly responsible in crimes and ambush that claimed lives of soldiers and other government forces in the area,” the CIDG said.

“The group remained a significant threat to the peace and security of the Bangsamoro people,” it added. —VAL, GMA News