5 Maute militants killed in Lanao Sur

MANILA, Philippines — At least five Maute militants were killed in a military offensive in Lanao del Sur on Sunday.

Two of the fatalities  were identified as Arimudin Banser and Zaman Ukor.

The military said the fatalities were followers of Owayda Benito Marohombsar, alias Abu Dar.

Col. Romeo Brawner Jr., Joint Task Force Ranao spokesman, said they are still verifying the identities of the other fatalities.

Brawner said the military launched air strikes and artillery fire in the suspected hideout of the militants in Tubaran town at around 9 a.m.

He said the offensive was launched after months of surveillance and with the cooperation of local government officials and residents in a bid to neutralize the remaining members of the Maute group. 

At least 723 families were reportedly displaced in the fighting. 

“The AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) is securing and assisting... displaced persons in evacuation centers,” Brawner said.  

He called on concerned civilians to stay calm, saying personnel of the 103rd Infantry Brigade, who are pursuing the militants, would ensure that the hostilities would not extend beyond the jungles of Tubaran and Pagayawan.

The office of Lanao del Sur Gov. Soraya Adiong-Alonto said relief workers were deployed to assist affected families.

Salma Jayne Tamano, provincial government information officer, said they are validating reports that dozens of families were trapped in Barangays Padas and Diampaca.

The Binidayan municipal government has accommodated 3,571 villagers from Tubaran.