2 Maute militants killed in clash with Navy men

MANILA, Philippines - Two suspected members of the Maute group were killed in an encounter with soldiers guarding Lake Lanao on Tuesday night.

In a belated report, the Joint Task Force Marawi (JTFM) said Navy personnel patrolling the lake chanced upon a boat with two men on board. When a Navy gunboat moved closer to the boat, one of the men opened fire, triggering a shootout.

One of the suspects fell into the water while the other was found dead on the boat.

Rifle propelled grenades, M14 rifle bullets and floating devices were among those recovered from the fatalities, the JTFM said.

The military tightened security around Lake Lanao amid reports that Maute terrorists are using it as their entry and exit points. There were also reports that the terrorists get supplies from their supporters through the lake.