5 Dawlah terrorists slain in Lanao clash

ZAMBOANGA CITY , Philippines — Five suspected Dawlah Islamiyah terrorists were killed while two others were arrested following an encounter in Sultan Naga Dimaporo town in Lanao del Norte at dawn on Wednesday.

A joint team of the Army’s Joint Task Force ZamPeLan and police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group exchanged fire with a group of suspected terrorists led by Musa Dama and Uya Dama in Barangay Bangco, according to CIDG chief Brig. Gen. Nicolas Torre III.

The Damas were wanted for several crimes including murder and kidnapping, Torre said.

Lt. Gen. William Gonzales, chief of the Western Mindanao Command, said the team was about to serve an arrest warrant on the Damas when the suspects’ followers allegedly fired shots, triggering an encounter.

Gonzales said the firefight lasted 30 minutes and resulted in the death of the Damas and their followers, identified as Elum and Husni, both surnamed Datumanas, and an unidentified man.

Two more Datumanas, Bocare and Rauf, were arrested during a pursuit operation.

Gonzales said Bocare suffered gunshot wounds and was taken to a hospital under tight security.

No one among the soldiers and the police was wounded or killed in the firefight.

The team recovered six rifles, two pistols, two grenades, ammunition, two sling bags and a backpack at the scene of the encounter.

The operation was part of the military’s intensified campaign against terror groups, Gonzales said.

He said the task force is closely operating with the police in conducting security operations against remaining members of terrorist groups in the area. –  John Unson