BUTIG, Lanao del Sur (June 27, 2025) — Government troops from the 5th Infantry Battalion under the 103rd Infantry “Haribon” Brigade and Joint Task Force ZAMPELAN engaged in an armed encounter with elements of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) in Barangay Sandab Madaya on June 25.
The firefight erupted during a focused military operation, forcing the enemy to retreat after a brief exchange of gunfire. No casualties were reported on the government side.
Following the clash, troops conducted clearing operations in the area, which resulted in the recovery of one serviceable M16 rifle, 95 rounds of M16 ammunition, and other war materiel, personal items, and subversive documents believed to hold significant intelligence value.
Bloodstains found at the encounter site indicated that the fleeing CTG members sustained injuries and likely carried their wounded as they escaped.
Pursuit operations are currently underway to locate the remnants of the group and prevent them from regrouping or threatening nearby communities.
“JTF ZAMPELAN will not stop its focused combat operations to safeguard the people of Lanao del Sur. The only option left for these armed groups is to surrender,” said Major General Yegor Rey P. Barroquillo Jr., Commander of JTF ZAMPELAN.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines reaffirmed its commitment to peace and development in Lanao del Sur, vowing continued efforts to end armed threats and secure communities throughout the region.