ZAMBOANGA CITY —Government security forces engaged four armed men during a regular combat patrol in the hinterlands of Datu Salibo municipality in Maguindanao del Sur, the military said Sunday.

Lt. Col. Al Victor C. Burkley, commanding officer of the 6th Infantry Battalion (IB), reported that his troops encountered the group in the forested area of Barangay Penditen in Datu Salibo on Saturday.

Following a brief exchange of fire, soldiers searched the area and recovered military equipment believed to belong to the armed group, Burkley said.

He added that soldiers also observed bloodstains along the escape route of the armed men, suggesting some may have been wounded in the clash.

Burkley stated that the recovered items included one M14 rifle, two magazines, one bandolier, two .45 caliber pistols and ammunition for various firearms.

Brig. Gen. Edgar Catu, commander of the 601st Infantry Brigade, ordered an immediate pursuit operation against the armed group.

Catu said all patrol bases in their operational areas have been placed on high alert, and checkpoint operations have been intensified.

Meantime, Joint Task Force (JTF)-Central commander Brig. Gen. Donald Gumiran said the operation’s outcome demonstrates the military’s resolve to eliminate terrorist groups in the region.

“We will continue to conduct focused military operations to end the threat of local terrorism in Central Mindanao. Our troops will serve tirelessly to ensure the safety of our countrymen,” Gumiran said.

The division commander also urged the public to cooperate with authorities by providing information to expedite operations against the remaining members of the armed group.