6 Scout Rangers, 3 Maute members killed in Lanao del Sur

Six Scout Rangers and three suspected Maute Group members were killed in a military operation in Barangay Ramain, Munai town, Lanao del Sur on Sunday.

The Philippine Army's 1st Infantry Division confirmed that six government troops were killed and four sustained injuries during the encounter, while at least three more DI-MG group members were killed by another unit from the 7th Scout Ranger Company in a separate area.

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief General Romeo Brawner Jr. stated that these operations are part of efforts to neutralize perpetrators involved in the Mindanao State University bombing in December 2023, which left four people dead and over 50 wounded.

Since the MSU bombing, at least 18 members of the DI-MG have been killed in military operations, including Khadafi Mimbesa, alleged mastermind of the MSU bombing, who was killed in an earlier operation in Lanao del Sur in January.

AFP Chief General Romeo Brawner Jr. expressed condolences to the families of the slain soldiers and vowed continued efforts against terrorist groups.

The total number of killed Maute fighters has climbed to three after another body was recovered, bringing the overall count to 15 since the start of pursuit operations following the MSU bombing.