The reported “spokesman” of the Islamic State in East Asia (ISIS-EA) was killed in a joint military operation in Maguindanao on Monday afternoon, a military official said on Tuesday.
The Armed Forces Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) said military forces under the Joint Task Force (JTF) Central killed Abdulfatah Omar Alimuden alias Abu Huzaifah in Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Maguindanao.
Westmincom commander Lt. Gen. Alfredo Rosario Jr. said Alimuden was the spokesman of ISIS-EA, which has seen the diminishing of its influence in the country following its siege of Marawi City.
Rosario said that aside from being the spokesman of the ISIS-EA, Alimuden was also in charge of the financial transactions of the Daulah Islamiyah-Philippines to the ISIS Central.
The terrorist was neutralized during a special operation by elements of the 601st Infantry Brigade, 40th Infantry Battalion and intelligence units at Crossing Salbo, Barangay Poblacion, Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Maguindanao.
In Sulu, the 45th Infantry Battalion under the 1103rd Infantry Brigade facilitated the surrender of five members of the local terrorist Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG).
The five were identified as Bennajir, 24, who had operated ASG under Hajan Sawadjaan and Mudsrimar Sawadjaan from 2015 to 2022; Monib, 24, who worked under Basaron Arok and Radullan Sahiron from 2019 to 2022; Abdurahsi, 48, a member of the group of Abdul Moin Sahiron from 2001 to 2011; Rudy, 36, a member of the ASG under Abdul Moin Sahiron from 1999 to 2008, and Sattari, 33, an ASG member under Salip Salamuddin from 2007 to 2009.
They handed over an M-16 rifle, two M-1 Garand rifles and a .45 caliber. They were subsequently presented to Maj. Gen. Ignatius Patrimonio, commander of Joint Task Force Sulu.
Meanwhile, Sulu-based Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) commander Abraham Joel paid a courtesy visit on Patrimonio and vowed his group’s support to the counter terrorism effort in the province.
“Ito ang pangalawa kong pagkakataon na bumisita dito sa Camp Bautista pero ito ang una kong pagkakataon na mabigyan ng ganitong mainit na pagtanggap ng ating mga kapatid na sundalo,” Joel said during his visit to the JTF Sulu and 11th Infantry Division headquarters.
During the meeting, Joel and the security sector reassured to support each other in ending the reign of terror of ASG.
“Kasama ko ang aking mga field commanders upang personal na makipagkita kay Maj. Gen. Patrimonio na itinuturing namin na aming kapatid upang ipahayag ang aming suporta sa kanya lalo na sa pakikipaglaban sa mga Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) terrorists,” the MNLF commander said.
Patrimonio extended his gratitude to Joel for taking time in visiting the 11th ID, particularly his assurance of support to the peace and development campaign to end terrorism in Sulu.
“It is reassuring to know that we have come into understanding on our one purpose and one mission to totally end terrorism in the province of Sulu,” Patrimonio said.
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