Maute lair overrun, 3 killed in Lanao Sur clash aftermath

ILIGAN CITY – After a 10-hour firefight that began at about 8 a.m. Thursday, government forces seized a hideout of the Islamic State-linked Maute remnants in Sultan Dumalondong, Lanao del Sur.

Three Maute remnants were killed and three government troopers were wounded, said Lt. Col Ian Ignes, commanding officer of the Army's 55th Infantry Battalion (55IB).

Ignes said 55IB troopers engaged more than 20 Maute members as government troops approached the lair of the terrorist group, believed to be led by Abu Dhar.

“We acted on the information as reported by the residents and the local chief executive," he said.

“The enemy was completely taken by surprise as evident from the direction of their initial gunfire. We met fierce resistance as soon as we hit their final defensive lines," he added.

Maute remnants under Dar have reportedly been hiding in the hinterlands of Lanao del Sur after government troops expelled them from Marawi City during a five-month siege last year that saw its leadership wiped out.

Col. Romeo Brawner Jr., commander of the Army's 103rd Infantry Brigade, said the assault received immediate fire support through artillery and attack helicopters, sending the Maute remnants deep into their bunkers.

Brawners said the splintered group then scattered for survival and abandoned their stronghold, which featured running trenches and fortified bunkers.

He said a training camp was also found some 100 meters from the hideout.

Major Gen. Roseller Murillo, the Army's 1st Infantry Division and Joint Task Force Zampelan commander, called on local residents to trust the military, asking them for "support and prayers for our troops who are still in the area to neutralize the remaining Maute IS remnants who continuously threaten the safety and well-being of Maranaos." (PNA)