The Army is pursuing remnants of the Islamic State-linked Dawlah Islamiya-Maute Group after an encounter on Sunday in the hinterlands of Lanao del Norte that resulted in the death of a member.
Troops from the Army’s 3rd Scout Ranger Battalion under Joint Task Group Magbalantay encountered Dawlah Islamiya-Maute members while conducting a decisive military operation in Sitio Palangakon, Barangay Pawak, Salvador town, past 6 p.m. on November 9.
The troops were first fired upon by three heavily armed terrorists in a gunfight that lasted about 20 minutes, resulting in one fatality, later identified as Ibrahim Ampaso, also known as Ibra and Abu Raas.
Soldiers recovered two M16A1 rifles with defaced serial numbers, two M14 rifles, and one M203 grenade launcher with a defaced serial number at the encounter site.
They also seized Baofeng radios, rifle magazines, assorted ammunition, and smartphones.
Brigadier General Ronel R. Manalo, commander of JTG Magbalantay, expressed deep gratitude for the success and bravery of the operating troops.
‘We commend the professionalism and courage of our troops and police partners in denying violent extremist elements a safe haven. We remain committed to lawful, intelligence-driven operations to protect our communities,’ Manalo said. Major General Yegor Rey Barroquillo Jr., commander of the Army’s 1st Infantry Division, also commended the troops for their dedication and commitment in carrying out their duties.
‘The neutralization of a high-value target underscores the effectiveness of coordinated operations and public cooperation,’ Barroquillo said. ‘We urge citizens to continue sharing information to help dismantle extremist networks.