Scout ranger killed in clash with Maute terror group

In this March 7, 2016 file photo, soldiers from the Philippine Marines capture a camp believed held by the local terror ISIS-inspired clan, the Maute Group, in Lanao del Sur (FILE PHOTO BY JEOFFREY MAITEM / INQUIRER MINDANAO)

ZAMBOANGA CITY – A scout ranger was killed in a clash with local terrorists in Butig, Lanao del Sur on Wednesday morning.

Major Filemon Tan Jr., spokesperson of the Western Mindanao Command, said elements of the 1st Scout Ranger Company clashed with at least 60 members of the Maute group in Barangay Sandab in Butig.

Tan said a scout ranger was killed while another was wounded in the encounter.

Government forces have been operating against the Maute group for more than two weeks now.

The group started to get a name after it kidnapped and beheaded two sawmill workers last year. It also claimed to have pledged allegiance to the ISIS, and was even blamed for the bombing in a night market in Davao City last October, leaving 15 people killed and at least 60 others wounded.

Two weeks ago, the group occupied the Butig town hall, forcing government troops to launch an operation. JE