9 slain in Lanao Norte clashes

ZAMBOANGA CITY Six soldiers and three terrorists tagged in a bomb attack on Mindanao State University MSU) were killed in a series of encounters in the hinterlands of Munai, Lanao del Norte on Sunday.

- ROEL PARENO and MICHAEL PUNONGBAYAN

Four more soldiers were wounded in the firefights that were part of a military operation against the Dawlah Islamiyah-Maute group.

The first encounter broke out when troopers of the Army’s 44th Infantry Battalion (44IB) encountered a group of terrorists in Barangay Ramain, according to a report of the Army’s 1st Division.

As the firefight continued, a fresh encounter broke out between troopers of the 7th Scout Ranger Company and another group of terrorists believed to be trying to reinforce their comrades.

The second encounter lasted two hours before the terrorists retreated.