The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has launched an airstrike against terrorist group Dawlah Islamiya-Maute Group in Lanao del Sur on Tuesday (March 1).
The joint operation of the AFP and the Philippine National Police (PNP) was launched around 2:00 a.m. in Maguing municipality.
The Western Mindanao Command said two terrorists and one military personnel were killed while three other soldiers were injured.
The AFP said it is resorting to all means to guarantee public safety. The Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office of Maguing said in a Facebook post that evacuation was conducted in nearby barangays.
In a Palace briefing on Tuesday, Cabinet Secretary and acting presidential spokesperson Karlo Nograles said efforts “against terrorism, against terrorist groups will continue.”
“We must protect our civilians and ensure peace and order. All of the operations ng ating Security, Justice and Peace Cluster is all towards the attainment of full peace and the end of terrorism and their groups that have been identified as terrorist groups and organizations,” he said.
“The directive really is for us to attain total peace by stopping the operations of these terrorist organizations and groups,” he added. – Report from Bea Bernardo/AG – bny