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3 soldiers hurt as troops, Maute remnants clash in Lanao Sur

By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.

January 24, 2019, 8:40 pm

ZAMBOANGA CITY -- A fresh firefight erupted between government forces and remnants of the Islamic State-inspired Maute group in Lanao del Sur on Thursday, wounding three soldiers.

Col. Romeo Brawner, the Army’s 103rd Infantry Brigade commander, said the clash broke out in Sultan Dumalondong town at about 8:10 a.m., when the troops chanced upon a group of 24 followers of Owaida Benito Marohombsar alias Abu Dar.

Brawner said that the Maute remnants were believed to have also suffered casualties. He did not elaborate.

Brawner was unable to release the names of the wounded soldiers except to say two of them belong to the Army’s 55th Infantry Battalion and one to the 82nd Infantry Battalion.

The wounded soldiers "were immediately extricated from the encounter site for medical treatment."

"We are calling on the public not to panic and not to evacuate because we have everything under control," he added.

Major Gen. Roseller Murillo, the Army’s 1st Infantry Division commander, said, “The armed encounter is the result of our relentless campaign against Maute IS remnants and the Abu Dar group."
Murillo assured that the wounded soldiers will be provided the best medical facilities and treatment. (PNA)

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