11 terrorists succumbed in Maguindanao del Sur
By J.Lo
MILITARY authorities are looking into bodies of 11 members of Dawlah Islamiya killed in more than two-hour running gunfight in hinterland barangay of Tuayan in Datu Hofer, Maguindanao del Sur.
Philippine Army's 601st Infantry Brigade, in report to Maj. Gen. Alex Rillera, commander of Army's 6th Infantry Division, said hostilities erupted when slain terrorists opened fire at soldiers checking on reports by residents of Barangay Tuayan about terrorist group's presence in the area who approached their location from two directions.
Soldiers from 601st found two M14 and five M16 rifles, three B40 shoulder-fire anti-tank rocket launchers and five homemade bombs beside cadavers of slain members of Dawlah Islamiya.
Local officials said three Dawlah Islamiya members were wounded in gunfight, seen being carried away by companions who retreated when they ran out of ammunition. Military forces did not suffer any casualties.
Media saw confidential initial government report about military operation, stated two Philippine air force fighter planes dropped eight 500-pound bombs in hinterland areas where militants were spotted. Two military helicopters further targeted militants.
This came after 13 armed militants belonging to Dawla Islamiyah surrendered with their firearms to military, said Rillera.
It was not immediately clear if militants provided information that helped military decide to launch assault.
"This is good side of coming out and laying down your guns you can now live peacefully with your loved ones," Rillera told militants, who surrendered in ceremony in South Cotabato.
Dawlah Islamiya, operating in fashion of Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, has reputation for bombing passenger vehicles and business establishments whose owners refuse to pay protection money on monthly basis.
Members of multi-sector municipal peace and order councils in Datu Hofer and in nearby towns had confirmed cadavers of the 11 Dawlah Islamiya terrorists had been turned over to barangay officials for proper burial.
Rillera said they have received reports slain Dawlah Islamiya terrorists were planning to put up roadside bombs that can be detonated from distance using mobile phones along secluded stretches of roads in barangays whose residents are actively supporting anti-terror operations of 6th Infantry Division.
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