2 Army intel agents killed in Lanao Norte ambush

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — Two Army intelligence operatives were killed in an ambush in Munai, Lanao del Norte on Wednesday.

The victims were on a surveillance mission when they were waylaid in Barangay Lininding, Lt. Col. Victor Czar Villanueva said.

The two were not identified pending notification of their families. Their companion managed to escape and reported the incident to his unit.

Villanueva said pursuit operations for the suspects are ongoing.

The military said members of the Khatab group, a hit squad of the Dawlah Islamiya-Maute Group, are believed to be behind the ambush.

The suspects also reportedly took a Glock 17, a caliber .45 pistol, magazines with bullets, two cell phones and the wallets of the soldiers.