Lanao del sur: Government troops have seized a high-powered firearm and personal effects after a clash Thursday with members of the Dawlah Islamiya-Maute Group in Lanao del Sur. Maj. Gen. Yegor Rey Barroquillo Jr., commander of the Army's 1st Infantry Division (1ID), said the clash occurred in the village of Udalo in Piagapo town of the province. According to Philippines News Agency, the firefight erupted after troopers of the Army's 2nd Mechanized Infantry Brigade chanced upon the local terrorist group while patrolling the area. The DI-MG members subsequently retreated and scattered in various directions. No casualties were reported among government troopers. Recovered at the clash site were an M14 rifle and five backpacks abandoned by the DI-MG members. The focused military operation is part of the intensified security and pursuit efforts by the 1ID in response to the January 23 attack on government forces in Munai, Lanao del Norte, which killed four soldiers. 'These operations are directly linked to our duty to pursue those responsible for the recent attack against our troops,' Barroquillo said in a statement. 'We will not relent in our efforts to seek justice for our fallen heroes and to deny terrorist groups any space to operate,' he added. Barroquillo assured the public that close coordination with local government units and other stakeholders remains in place, and that all military operations against terrorists are conducted with utmost regard for civilian safety.