More than 1,700 individuals have fled several towns in Lanao del Norte and Lanao del Sur after a series of clashes between the military and Dawlah Islamiyah on the boundary of these provinces this month.
On August 16, Dawlah Islamiyah and the military first clashed, and this was followed on August 19 and August 21.
The military seized various types of explosives and personal belongings of the group in Madalum town, Lanao del Sur. There were also traces of blood in the group’s hiding place.
According to Philippine Army 103rd Brigade Commander Gen. Jose Maria Cuerpo, they did not stop pursuing the bandit group after civilians reported buying food.
An estimated 30 members of Dawlah Islamiyah clashed with the military. Some of them were involved in attacking the Marawi siege in 2017.
According to Cuerpo, they are forcing residents to be recruited.
“Pinupuntahan nila ‘yung mga bata sa bukid, pinapadala ng mga gamit at pagkain nila. Hindi na nila ito pinakakawalan. Tinatakot nila,” he said.
It is said to be based on the accusation made against them by the members of Dawlah Islamiyah who surrendered after their operation here during Ramadan.
Military, Dawlah Islamiya fight in Lanao; thousands of residents fled
The evacuees are currently staying with their relatives while others are in the municipal gymnasiums of Tangcal in Lanao del Norte and Bayabao in Lanao del Sur.
They are still afraid to return to their homes because the military continues to pursue the militants.
Last month, an alleged member of the Dawlah Islamiyah group was killed. At the same time, 2 of his comrades were arrested after an encounter with soldiers in Shariff Saydona Mustapha, Maguindanao.
Barangay Nabundas officials handed over the remains of the victim while the 2 detainees were in police custody, who will face charges, according to the 33rd IB.
Maj Gen Juvymax Uy, commander of the Joint Task Force Central and 6th Infantry Division, stressed that the government is open and ready to receive rebels who want to surrender and change their lives.
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