Philippine Forces Kill 10 Suspected Islamist Militants in Southern Clash

Philippine Forces Kill 10 Suspected Islamist Militants in Southern Clash
————————————
Philippine security forces killed 10 suspected Islamist extremist militants in a clash in the country’s south on Friday, marking the deadliest confrontation so far this year, The Times of India reported.

The fighting broke out in Lanao del Sur province when members of the Dawlah Islamiya-Maute opened fire on police and army personnel attempting to serve arrest warrants for a commander accused of murder and other crimes. Authorities identified the leader as Amerol Mangoranca, who was among those killed.

Police and military officials said the hour-long gun battle in Marantao village left no government casualties. Among the dead were four women. Troops recovered several firearms, a grenade, and bomb components from the scene. An infant found at the site received medical treatment, though further details were not disclosed.

The group has previously been linked to attacks in the region, including an ambush that killed four soldiers earlier this year.

While a 2014 peace agreement with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front significantly reduced large-scale separatist violence, smaller factions that rejected the deal continue sporadic insurgent activities in the predominantly Muslim south.