In a recent clash between Philippine troops and Muslim militants in a remote area of the south, at least seven soldiers and two rebels were reported dead, with four soldiers sustaining injuries during the gunbattle near Munai town in Lanao del Norte province. The skirmish occurred during an army offensive on Sunday against fighters of the Dawlah Islamiyah, a small armed group associated with the Islamic State group.
According to military chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., the troops are in pursuit of an unknown number of militants who retreated from the site of the battle. Aiming to seek justice for the fallen and injured soldiers, Brawner conveyed his condolences to their families and assured the Filipino populace that efforts would be maximized to capture the enemy.
Following a Dec. 3 bombing incident that claimed four lives and left 50 individuals injured at Marawi State University, the Dawlah Islamiyah came under military scrutiny. Subsequent military operations targeting the group have reportedly resulted in the deaths of 18 members, including their purported leader.
As one of the several armed factions engaged in a separatist struggle in the southern Philippines, an area predominantly inhabited by minority Muslims in the predominantly Catholic nation, the Dawlah Islamiyah remains active. Meanwhile, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, the largest separatist organization, reached a peace agreement with the government in 2014, mitigating decades of intermittent conflict.
Beyond the separatist conflict, the Philippine military is concurrently addressing a protracted communist rebellion that has faced setbacks due to combatting government forces and internal strife within the insurgency group. For now, the military looks resolute in its mission to quell local terrorist outfits and foster long-term stability in the region.
