10 alleged terrorists slain in Lanao del Sur
ILIGAN CITY—A joint police and military operation on Friday resulted in the deaths of 10 members of the Dawlah Islamiyah (DI) terrorist group in Marantao town, Lanao del Sur.
According to Army Brig. Gen. Billy dela Rosa, commander of the Army’s 103rd Infantry Brigade based in Marawi City, the slain DI members were suspects in the ambush of four soldiers in Barangay Lininding, Munai, Lanao del Norte on January 23 this year.
Most of the fatalities, he added, were from Munai, while others were from Lanao del Sur.
Police Capt. Steffi Salanguit, spokesperson for the Police Regional Office in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region, said the raid on the group’s hideout in Banga-Pantar village, Marantao, occurred at past 1 a.m. on Friday.
The group was led by Amerol Mangoranca, also known as Usman, who was among those killed.
Authorities were serving arrest warrants against Mangoranca and his cohorts for murder, frustrated homicide, homicide, and kidnapping with serious illegal detention.
Resisting arrest
Salanguit said Mangoranca’s group resisted arrest, triggering an armed encounter.
Dela Rosa told the Inquirer that the exchange of gunfire lasted about an hour.
Of the 10 fatalities, six were male and four were female, two of whom have yet to be identified.
Among those identified were Mangoranca, believed to be the amir or leader of the DI in Lanao del Sur; Benjie Amir, alias Muslih/Benjie, sub-leader; Jamail Ibrahim, alias Orak; Fahmia Aminodin, alias Pakmin; Sohaile Borud Bato, alias Nasif/Muslim; Mohaimen Aragon, alias Turab; Nahara Khairiya Hamim, alias Yaqiyna/Polindan, wife of alias Benjie; and a certain Polindan, wife of Usman.
Salanguit said three of those killed had previously surrendered to police and military authorities.
Wounded baby
In a clearing operation after the encounter, authorities recovered five high-powered firearms, including two M16 rifles, an M4 rifle, an M1 Garand rifle, a .38 caliber revolver, a hand grenade, and bomb components.
A 1-year-old baby who was wounded during the encounter was rescued by authorities, Salanguit said.
Dela Rosa said the immediate families and relatives claimed the bodies, which were brought to the provincial police office.
Government troops were not harmed during the encounter, he added.
Meanwhile, Maj. Gen. Yegor Rey Barroquillo Jr., commander of the Army’s 1st Infantry Division, noted the broader significance of the operation.
“Today marks a defining chapter in our campaign against terrorism in Lanao del Sur. Our forces have struck a decisive blow, and we will continue forward until enduring peace is fully secured,” Barroquillo said.
