Soldier slain in Maguindanao attack

COTABATO CITY, Philippines — A soldier was killed while another was wounded after a group of Dawlah Islamiya terrorists attacked an Army detachment in Shariff Saydona Mustapha, Maguindanao del Sur on Saturday.

Pfc. Rosendo Gannaban of the Army’s 99th Infantry Battalion died at the scene of the incident that occurred in Barangay Pagatin 1.

Gannaban died due to multiple gunshot wounds while one of his companions was treated for minor injuries, the military said.

Reports said Gannaban and his companions were in the detachment when some 20 Dawlah Islamiya terrorists fired shots at them, trigerring a firefight.

Local leaders said the terrorist group was led by Ben Harris Salamat, alias Nakan, who has been wanted for murder, extortion, armed robbery and coddling drug traffickers.

Three terrorists were reportedly hit during the firefight, prompting Salamat and his men to retreat, according to barangay officials.