9 terrorists captured in Lanao del Sur

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — Government security forces captured nine terrorists of the Dawlah Islamiyah-Maute group following a raid that sparked a brief firefight in Tubaran, Lanao del Sur on Saturday.

The group has been linked to the Islamic State international terrorist organization.

The military said two other suspects, who were the main subjects of the raid, escaped during the operation launched in Barangay Paigoay at past 1 a.m.

The main targets – Dawlah Islamiyah-Maute group subleaders Farahufon Hadji Satar, alias Abu Zacariah or Omar, and Muna Kali, alias Abu Dimam – are both wanted for murder and attempted murder, according to Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan Jr., chief of the Western Mindanao Command.

“The terrorists opened fire at the approaching troopers, triggering a brief firefight,” Vinluan said.

He said no one among the troopers was killed or wounded in the firefight.

Aside from the capture of the nine terrorists, the military seized from the suspects several firearms, communications equipment, improvised explosive devices, a laptop computer, propaganda materials, cash and personal belongings.