Zamboanga city: A crime syndicate leader tied to the Dawlah Islamiya (DI) terror group and four of his followers were killed during a confrontation with government troops in Lanao del Norte, the military announced on Thursday.
According to Philippines News Agency, the encounter unfolded in Barangay Banko, Sultan Naga Dimaporo, on Wednesday as military forces attempted to execute arrest warrants. The group, led by Uya Dama, reportedly opened fire on the troops, initiating a 30-minute firefight.
During the operation, one suspect was wounded and subsequently captured by the authorities. The military also recovered three M-16 rifles, two grenades, and other weapons from the scene.
“Our troops exhaust their effort to decapacitate armed groups,” stated Lt. Gen. William Gonzalez, commander of the Western Mindanao Command, emphasizing the military’s commitment to dismantling armed syndicates in the region.