FIVE members of the Daulah Islamiyah (DI) were killed as the military attacked a lair of the terrorist group in Maguindanao del Sur last week, the military reported yesterday.
The Army’s 6th Infantry Division said eight improvised bombs were seized during the military operation, preventing planned bombings in Central Mindanao.
Lt. Col. Dennis Almorato, 6th ID spokesman, said 155mm self-propelled guns fired artillery rounds at the lair of the DI-Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters in Barangay Dalgan in Pagalungan town last Tuesday.
Almorato also said A-29B Super Tucano light attack aircraft also fired rockets at the enemy lair. Soldiers later advanced and clashed with undetermined DI-Hassan Group members, led by one Almoben Sebod. After a one-hour firefight, Almorato said, the troops seized enemy camp.
He said troops found at the camp eight pieces of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) “which were ready to be planted and detonated” by the group.
Almorato said the operation was conducted based on information provided by two informants who said DI members were planning to detonate the IEDs in populated areas in Maguindanao and Cotabato provinces at the start of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan last Wednesday.
Materials used in the manufacture of IEDs, a cal. 45 pistol, and Garand rifle ammunition were also found at the lair, said Almorato.
“We have prevented their planned bombings targeting innocent civilians, (attempt to) create fear and sabotage peace during Ramadan,” said 602nd Brigade commander Col. Gumiran.
After making sure the planned bombings were foiled, Gumiran said the military stop its operations against the DI in the area so people’s lives will return to normal and so they can celebrate Ramadan.
6th ID commander Maj. Gen. Alex Rillera said the military respects the observance of Ramadan.
