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.
