Seven armed lawless elements met their end during a recent clash with members of the military, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom) reported Sunday.
Major Orlando Ayllon, acting chief of the WestMinCom Public Information Office, said the firefight between combined government troops and the armed rebels happened at the seawaters of Bongo Island, Parang, Maguindanao del Norte in the afternoon of October 18, 2024.
WestMinCom commander Lt. Gen. William Gonzales confirmed the incident. The military operations involved members from the Marine Battalion Land Team 2 and the 65th Force Reconnaissance Company.
The soldiers encountered an undetermined number of enemies, who boarded 12 motor boats, while conducting maritime security patrol with the Philippine National Police. One soldier was wounded during the clash, who was brought to Camp Siongco Station Hospital in Datu Odin Sinsuat.
“Our troops are doing their best to seize the fleeing lawless elements. While doing so, other efforts are taken into consideration to smoothen the process as we want these unlawful personalities to face appropriate criminal charges,” said Gonzales.
Of the seven casualties, only three bodies were recovered. The remaining four were reportedly lost at sea, according to the WestMinCom. The enemies possessed weapons and ammunition. The military remains in hot pursuit of other lawless elements, who fled the combat zone.
