Another Boholano government trooper has been killed amid the continued fierce gun battles in Marawi City between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the ISIS-linked Maute Group.

Based on reports, Philippine Army Staff Sergeant Dennis Dayoc, a native of Barangay Can-agong, Sikatuna, was killed by Maute terrorists on July 22 along with eight other soldiers.

Four of the said nine casualties died due to injuries sustained from an explosion of an improvised explosive device (IED), Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana told national media.

However, it was not yet determined whether Dayoc was among those killed by the IED which blew up.

A total of 41 other AFP soldiers were wounded in several battle zones on the same day, added Lorenzana.

For his part, Sikatuna Mayor Jose Ellorimo said that Dennis was a son of a former member of the defunct Philippine Constabulary identified as Donald Dayoc whose wife is a former town councilor, Eleodora.

While Dennis’ brother is currently a policeman in Sikatuna, added Ellorimo.

According to the mayor, the local government unit including the town’s Sangguniang Bayan is set to honor the fallen soldier.

The LGU is also planning to extend financial aid to Dennis’ family, said Ellorimo.

Dennis’ remains will no longer be taken to Bohol as the fallen soldier’s wake will be held in Sindangan, Zamboanga, his last place of residence where his wife and child lives.

The Dayoc family in Bohol has already left the province for Dennis’ wake and burial on Tuesday next week.

Last month, Boholano Philippine Marine Corps Cpl. John Garcia was gunned down by Maute terrorist in Marawi City.

He was killed along with 13 other Marines in a 14-hour encounter against Maute fighters in the Mindanao city which continues to be overrun by said terrorists.

Since the fighting erupted on May 23, over 100 government soldiers have been killed. (A. Doydora)