3 terrorist hideouts captured in Lanao del Sur

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — Government security forces captured three suspected hideouts of terrorist group Dawlah Islamiyah following a series of raids in the hinterlands of Balindong, Lanao del Sur on Sunday.

The Army and police tracked down the hideouts after civilian informants tipped them off about the possible whereabouts of terrorists who escaped an encounter that occurred over a week ago in Barangay Taporog, Piagapo town.

The skirmishes on Jan. 25 and 26 resulted in the death of nine terrorists and wounding of four Army troopers.

During the operation on Sunday, the terrorists could have sensed the arrival of the raiding team, prompting them to abandon their hideouts, the military said.

The team recovered a rifle, ammunition and cell phone at the hideouts, according to Brig. Gen. Yegor Rey Barroguillo Jr., chief of the Army’s 103rd Infantry Brigade.

“The recovery of these assets is a major blow to the terrorists’ operations and strengthened the government’s counterterrorism efforts in the region,” Barroquillo said in his report.