CAMP SANG-AN, ZDS – Operating troops of the 51st Infantry Battalion (51IB) encountered some 30 Dawlah Islamiyah-Maute Group (DI-MG) members in Brgy. Lindongan, Munai, Lanao del Norte on Aug. 21.
The clash, which lasted for three hours, resulted in the enemy’s withdrawal and the recovery of seven improvised explosive devices (main charge), five backpacks, and a 15-meter length of commercial wire.
There was no recorded casualty on the government side, while the DI-MG withdrew toward the northwest direction. Immediately after the encounter, the engaged troops conducted pursuit operations.
Also, artillery units and the Philippine Air Force provided fire and air support to the operating troops on the ground.
51IB Commanding Officer Lt. Col. Fernando L. Payapa said the battalion is seriously determined to end the existing terrorism in their area of operations.
“We will never stop or even delay pursuing them. The only option they have is to surrender; otherwise, they will be [slain] and destroyed in our series of military operations,” he said.
According to Brig. Gen. Jose Maria Cuerpo, 103rd Infantry Brigade and Joint Task Group Harribon commander, the 51IB troops engaged 30 terrorists of the same group on Aug. 15, led by a certain ‘Abu Bakar’/’Abu Zacaria.’
“We have received reports from the residents on the presence of the armed group, and the military units operating within the area responded quickly to the reports,” Cuerpo said.
Meanwhile, Maj. Gen. Gene M. Ponio, 1st Infantry Division and Joint Task Force Zampelan commander, urged the local populace to continue to report any threats and illegal activities that disrupt peace and prosperity in their community to the security forces.
“We assure the public that we will respond to their call 24/7 to secure and protect them from any threats and to sustain the peace and progress in our area or responsibility,” Ponio added.
Nearly 450 families from the municipality of Tangcal and Munai were affected and some of them were forced to leave their homes. Soldiers from the 11th Division Reconnaissance Company and 4th Mechanized Infantry Battalion are scouring the forested area between Munai and Tangcal.
Evacuees from the two affected municipalities are now advised to return to their homes.
(1st Infantry [Tabak] Division) – jlo
