Maguindanao del sur: Military authorities have intensified their operation against the local terrorist group Dawlah Islamiyah (DI) in the mountains of Maguindanao del Sur, officials said on Wednesday.
According to Philippines News Agency, Lt. Col. Ronald Suscano, spokesperson of the Army's 6th Infantry Division (6ID), stated that the operation was launched after civilians reported the presence of the DI-Hassan Group in the mountains of Datu Hoffer Ampatuan town. The 90th Infantry Battalion (90IB) responded to these reports, leading to heightened military activities in the area.
The combat operation resulted in one soldier being killed and another wounded, both from the 90IB. The injured soldier sustained minor wounds and is currently receiving medical attention. The military has yet to determine casualties on the side of the terrorists.
Approximately 80 families from remote sub-villages have fled to safer locations due to the skirmishes between military forces and the DI group that erupted on Tuesday. The evacuees have taken shelter at Barangay Tuayan Mother's covered court, where officials have provided food and non-food items.
Maj. Gen. Jose Vladimir Cagara, the 6ID commander, emphasized the focus on decisive operations against the terror group in Sitio Bagurot, Barangay Tuayan Mother, Datu Hoffer, due to their regrouping activities. He stated that there would be no letup in combat operations until the remnants of the DI-Hassan Group are eradicated.
