Dawlah Islamiya leader killed, 2 captured in Maguindanao

CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao – A leader of Dawlah Islamiya (DI), a notorious local terrorist group was killed while two others were arrested during a law enforcement operation conducted by the military in Shariff Saydona Mustapha, Maguindanao on Saturday, July 17.

Lt. Col. Benjamin Cadiente, commanding officer of the Army’s 33rd Infantry (Makabayan) Battalion, identified a slain terrorist only through his alias as “Tong Bomber”, a bomb expert responsible for attacks against military convoys and installations in the province

“While our troops approach the location of the suspected terrorists, we were met by heavy fires forcing our troops to retaliate,” he said.

Also arrested during the Saturday’s operation were two other cohorts identified as Nondo Sangalan and Tong Sangalan, who both peacefully surrendered.

Seized from them were one M14 rifle, ammunition, and two improvised explosive devices.

“This accomplishment displays the important role of the community in defeating the threats brought by the terrorist groups in Maguindanao,” said Col. Pedro Balisi, commander of 1st Mechanized Brigade.

The remains of the neutralized terrorist were immediately turned over to the officials of Brgy. Nabundas, Shariff Saydona Mustapha, Maguindanao while the captured personalities were placed under the custody of the Philippine National Police for proper filing of cases.

Maj. Gen. Juvymax Uy, commander of the Joint Task Force Central and 6th Infantry Division, lauded the troops for their prompt response to prevent the terrorists from conducting atrocities in the area.

“Your actions have saved countless lives that could have been victims of these terrorists,” he said, while also expressing gratitude to the local residents for being responsive to the threats in their communities. 

He also urged other members of terrorist groups to surrender for the government is ready to accept former combatants who are willing to reform and live a peaceful life.

“We have the AGILA-HAVEN program in the province of Maguindanao that has already extended numerous forms of assistance to the former members of BIFF and DI,” he said.

Recently, Maguindanao Governor Bai Mariam Sangki-Mangudadatu distributed livelihood assistance to 17 former BIFF members at the Provincial Capitol, Buluan, Maguidanao to help the former extremists sustain their lives. (DPAO / MINDANAO EXPOSE’)