Soldier killed in Maguindanao clash with militants

MAGUINDANAO, Philippines — A soldier was killed and two others were wounded in an encounter with members of a local terrorist group in Mamasapano on Sunday.

The fatality was identified as Sgt. Randy Alivar of the 33rd Infantry Battalion.

Soldiers were patrolling a secluded area in Barangay Tukanalipao when they were attacked by members of the Dawlah Islamiya, a breakaway group of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters.

Pfcs. Ruel Sumilhig and Allan James Cabildo were wounded.

On Saturday, two bandits were killed in an encounter, also with soldiers of the 33rd IB, in the same area.

The Dawlah Islamiya was tagged in recent bombings in Central Mindanao.