A group of young rebels killed in massive military operations in Butig, Lanao del Sur, were influenced by drugs, the military said on Tuesday.
“The Maute group fighters who were killed were between 18 to 23 years old and were high on drugs during the fight,” Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesperson Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla told reporters.
The military claims it has killed 54 alleged members the Maute terrorist group who had linked themselves with the Islamic State in several days of intense military operations. Of these, 37 were verified to have been killed but not necessarily by body count.
Two soldiers and 10 others were injured in the operations.
Peace restored
The stronghold of the rebels that was seized by the Philippine military in March was the same camp recaptured by security forces in massive military operations last week.
“This was the same area from where the operations was conducted in March, yung lugar ng Maute sa may Butig, kung ma-recall natin ang nagsimula sa Butig nung enkwentro ay ang pag atake sa isang munisipyo na kinalalagyan ng isa nating detachment,” Padilla said.
After capturing the camp from the Maute group two months ago, the Armed Forces even raised the Philippine flag in Butig to signify restoration of peace.
Padilla explained that after the beheading of two workers last April 10, they monitored a regrouping of the terrorists in the same area.
The security forces were able to recapture the camp on Monday.
“Local residents also reported that this group continues to pose a threat to the security of the community, hence the military operations,” he said./rga