By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Determined to ensure peace and order in the South, the military has launched a joint air and ground assault in the uplands of Barangay Mother Tuayan, Datu Hofer Ampatuan town, Maguindanao del Sur, subsequently killing 11 suspected terrorists, including a self-proclaimed leader of terrorist group Dawlah Islamiyah-Philippines.
The military is still in the process of confirming their identities based on the collected fingerprints.
On Saturday, Maj. Gen. Alex Rillera, Division Commander of the 6th Infantry (Kampilan) Division and Joint Task Force Central, said the terrorist group was reportedly targeting communities in central and south-central Mindanao.
On the other hand, Brig. Gen. Oriel Pangcog, 601st Infantry Brigade commander, said 10 high-powered firearms and three explosives were recovered in the area.
It was gathered from the Philippine Amy that the military operations was launched in Datu Hoffer Ampatuan, Maguindanao del Sur on Friday.
Pangcog disclosed that they acted upon information relayed by the community.
Supported by military aircraft, the operation precisely targeted the location where the suspected terrorists were hiding, he added.
(AI/MNM)