Lanao provinces under tight guard
COTABATO CITY — State forces have tightened security at the border of Lanao del Sur and Lanao del Norte provinces to forestall possible retaliations by Dawlah Islamiya gunmen, following clashes last Sunday that exacted fatalities on both sides.
Muslim religious leaders and local officials in Lanao del Norte told reporters on Tuesday that seven Dawlah Islamiya terrorists and six Philippine Army soldiers from the 44th Infantry Battalion were killed in the two-hour gun battles in the village of Ramain in Munai town, right next to Lanao del Sur towns.
“We are not taking chances. We are guarding against possible retaliations by these terrorists. This group is known for attacking helpless people to avenge the deaths of companions in clashes with pursuing government forces,” Brig. Gen. Allan C. Nobleza, director of the Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region, said.
According to local leaders, two of the wounded Dawlah Islamiya members were one “Monid” and another named “Ariado,” who are alleged cousins of Khadafi K. Mimbesa, earlier identified by authorities as the mastermind of the deadly bombing of a Catholic mass held at the gymnasium of the Mindanao State University Gymnasium in Marawi City last Dec. 3.
Mr. Mimbesa was one of the nine Dawlah Islamiya terrorists killed in an encounter with soldiers in Piagapo, Lanao del Sur last Jan. 26.
The soldiers killed in last Sunday’s clash were Corporals Rey Anthony K. Salvador, Reland F. Tapinit, and Rodel C. Mobida, Private 1st Class Arnel L. Tornito, and Privates Michael John G. Lumingkit and James N. Porras. — John Felix M. Unson