10 ISIS-linked militants killed in Lanao del Sur clash; infant rescued

MARANTAO, Lanao del Sur - Ten members of the ISIS-linked Islamic State of Lanao, also known as the Dawlah Islamiya-Maute Group, were killed in a joint police-military operation early Friday, April 17, in what authorities described as the deadliest encounter in the region so far this year.

The hour-long firefight erupted in Marantao town as government forces attempted to serve arrest warrants against Amerol Mangoranca, a key leader of the Maute-Dawlah Islamiya group. Mangoranca, who was facing charges of murder, homicide, and kidnapping, was among those killed in the operation.

Also neutralized were two other leaders identified only by their aliases “Usman” and “Muslih.” Authorities said four of the fatalities were women, underscoring the continued presence of female operatives within the extremist group.

The operation involved joint elements from the Armed Forces of the Philippines, including the 103rd Infantry Brigade, along with personnel from the Philippine National Police’s Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) and Bangsamoro authorities.

Despite the intensity of the firefight, officials confirmed that there were no casualties among government forces.

Security forces recovered a cache of high-powered firearms and explosives at the scene, including M16, M4, and M1 Garand rifles, a caliber .38 revolver, a hand grenade, and components used in the assembly of improvised explosive devices (IEDs).

In a dramatic development following the clash, authorities also rescued an infant found at the scene. The child was immediately provided medical treatment and is now under the care of authorities.

Military and police officials said the successful operation marks a significant blow to the remaining ISIS-linked militants in Lanao del Sur, a known stronghold of extremist groups tied to the Maute network, which laid siege to Marawi City in 2017.

Authorities vowed to continue intensified operations against terrorist remnants in Mindanao to prevent regrouping and ensure the safety of local communities.