3 members of Maute group slain in Lanao del Sur clash

LANAO DEL SUR, Philippines  —  Three suspected Maute terrorists were killed in an encounter with Army troopers in this province yesterday.

Reports reaching the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao police said the firefight occurred at the border of Sultan Dumalundong and Marogong towns.

Villagers said Khalid Mindo, Saripada Surab and Limpok Boransing  were killed in the clash.

The suspects reportedly opened fire at a group of soldiers who responded to reports about the presence of alleged new Maute leader Owaida Marohombsar, alias Abu Dar, in the area.

The operation was launched after residents of Barangays Sumalindaw in Sultan Dumalundong and Piyangulugan in Marugong informed the Army’s 103rd Brigade and the Lanao del Sur police that Abu Dar had been in the area since Tuesday.

Senior Superintendent Madzgani Mukaram of the Lanao del Sur police said roadblocks were set up along the highway straddling the towns of Sultan Dumalundong and Marogong to prevent Abu Dar and his men from escaping.