2 alleged Maute group members killed, 4 Marines hurt in Lanao del Sur clash

MANILA, Philippines — Two alleged members of the Daulah Islamiyah-Maute terror group were killed while four Marines were hurt in a clash in Balabagan, Lanao del Sur on Wednesday, the military reported on Thursday.

Elements of the First Marine Brigade figured in a firefight with the group of a certain Polo Alim, a Daulah Islamiyah-Maute Group member, while conducting a focus military operation in Barangay Lumbac, according to Lt. Gen. Alfredo Rosario, Jr., Commander of Western Mindanao Command (Wesmincom).

“Firefight ensued after which enemy withdrew leaving behind the dead body of one of their slain comrades,” Rosario said in a statement.

Juvymax Uy, commander of Joint Task Force Central, said the fleeing members of the group brought with them the body of the slain terrorist.

Military troops and police personnel recovered from the site the body of one of the Maute group terrorists, an M16 rifle with M203 grenade launcher attached, a hand grenade, a cell phone, and several  drug paraphernalia.

Uy also said the four Marines who sustained minor injuries during the encounter were brought to the Dr. Serapio Montaner Memorial Hospital in Balabagan town for treatment.

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