A sub-leader of the Abu Sayyaf Group was killed in an operation in Basilan Saturday night, the Armed Forces of the Philippines said.
The military said Mudzrimar Sawadjaan, also known as “Mundi,” was killed in an operation by the Joint Task Force Orion of the Western Mindanao Command in the waters off Tipo-Tipo and Tuburan in Basilan.
Mundi, the suspected mastermind in the 2020 Jolo bombings, was attempting to flee the province when he was killed.
“The successful operation is a testament to the relentless efforts and unwavering commitment of our armed forces to ensure the safety and security of our citizens,” the military said in a statement.
A traditional Muslim burial will be conducted for the slain ASG leader while authorities are contacting family members to claim his remains.
Mundi’s death happened hours before the bombing of a church service in the Mindanao State University gymnasium in Marawi City on Sunday.
The bomb attack came two days after Western Mindanao Command forces killed 11 members of the terrorist group Dawlah Islamiyah, including its declared emir, Abdullah Sapal, in Maguindanao del Sur.