5 local IS terrorists killed, 2 captured in arrest ops in Lanao del Norte

CIDG personnel conducts an inventory of firearms and ammunition seized after an encounter against suspected local IS terrorists group in a remote village of Sultan Naga Dimaporo town, Lanao del Norte on October 23. (Photo courtesy of 2nd Mechanized Infantry Brigade )

ILIGAN CITY — Five members of Islamic State-linked Dawlah Islamiyah (DI) terrorist group were slain while two others were captured in a joint military and police operation on Tuesday in the interior village of Bangko in Sultan Naga Dimaporo town, Lanao del Norte.

The operation was launched at 1 a.m. on Tuesday, Brig. Gen. Anthon Abrina, commander of the Army 2nd Mechanized Infantry Brigade, told the Inquirer.

The soldiers and personnel of the Police Regional Offices 9 and 10 were out to serve arrest warrants against Uya Dama Munagen, also known as Lagbas, and Musa Monagen Dama, both identified as members of DI, for murder, kidnapping, and serious illegal detention charges.

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As the authorities approached the area, they were fired upon, triggering a fierce 30-minute exchange of gunfire, Abrina said.

Among those killed were Munagen and Dama, Abrina added. Of the two armed men captured, one sustained serious injuries and was rushed to a local hospital for treatment.

Recovered from the scene were two pistols, three M16 assault rifles, three M1 Garand rifles, assorted rifle magazines, an undetermined volume of assorted ammunition, ammunition clips for M1 Garand, and two fragmentation grenades, Abrina said.

The swift actions and seamless coordination between the PNP and the Army were vital in addressing the threats posed by these individuals.” Viray said.

Also joining the operation were Army troops from the 3rd Scout Ranger Battalion, 5th Mechanized Infantry Battalion and the 1st Light Reaction Company.

“The success of this joint operation highlights the crucial collaboration between the Philippine National Police and the Armed Forces of the Philippines,” said Major General Gabriel C. Viray III, commander of the Army’s 1st Infantry Division.