A self-proclaimed leader of the terrorist group Dawlah Islamiyah-Philippines was among the 11 suspects killed in military operations in Datu Hoffer Ampatuan, Maguindanao del Sur on Friday, the Philippine Army said.
The 11 reported members of Dawlah Islamiyah were killed during the military’s joint air and ground assault in the uplands of Barangay Mother Tuayan, Datu Hofer Ampatuan town, the Army’s 6th Infantry Division said Saturday.
Brig. Gen. Oriel Pangcog, 601st Infantry Brigade commander, said 10 high-powered firearms and three explosives were recovered from the area.
Pangcog said the Army acted on information relayed by the community. The operation, supported by military aircraft, targeted the location where the terrorists were hiding, he added.
Maj. Gen. Alex Rillera, Division Commander of the 6th Infantry (Kampilan) Division and Joint Task Force Central, said the terrorist group was reportedly targeting communities in central and south-central Mindanao.
Government troops collected fingerprints from the suspects for further confirmation.
According to the 6th ID, the firefight between the DI and government troops lasted for 20 minutes on Friday.
“The consolidation of the aforementioned terrorist group signifies an ominous plan to disrupt economic activities and undermine peaceful living not only in the residents of Datu Hoffer Ampatuan town but also across Central and South-Central Mindanao,” the statement read.
The slain DI members are currently still being identified with the help of Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) with the assistance of Imams and Barangay Captains, which will be followed by proper burial rights.