COTABATO CITY, July 24 -- Government troops seized two high-powered firearms after another encounter with a coalition of armed terrorists during intensified military operations in Maguindanao del Sur on Thursday.

In a report on Friday, the Army's 38th Infantry Battalion (38IB) said its troopers engaged members of the Dawlah Islamiya (DI) - Hassan Group, the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), and the Panenekelan Group in a clash in Barangay Inaladan, Shariff Saydona Muistapaha town.

Lt. Col. Erwin E. Felongco, 38IB commander, said the government forces were conducting decisive military operations in Barangay Inaladan when they encountered a group of armed men.

"After a brief exchange of gunfire, the armed group retreated," he s...