Terror group leader slain in clash

THE military reported on Friday the neutralization of multiple members of terrorist group Daulah Islamiyah, including its leader, in separate operations in Maguindanao.

The report said that the newly appointed Amir and leader of Daulah Islamiyah, identified as Asim Karinda also known as Abu Azim, was killed in a clash with members of the Joint Task Force Central at Barangay Dabenayan in Mamasapano town, Maguindanao early morning of Thursday.

Karinda, who is also a trained bomb maker and fabricator, replaced Salahuddin Hassan as leader of the terrorist group after former Amir was killed by military forces on October 29, 2021 in an encounter in Talayan, Maguindanao.

Hassan was also a trained fabricator of improvised explosive devices.

Joint Task Force Central and 6th Infantry Division commander Maj. Gen. Juvymax Uy confirmed the death of Karinda along with four other members of the terrorist group.

“The recent armed clash with the Daulah Islamiyah terrorist group only shows that your security forces are persistent and committed to ensure the safety of our communities and of the Filipino people,” Uy said.

Lt. Col. Charlie Banaag, the commanding officer of 6th Infantry Battalion, stated that the firefight happened around 1:30 in the morning of December 2 which lasted for an hour.

“Our ground forces recovered the abandoned lifeless bodies of Azim and his four followers after the firefight,” said Banaag, who also reported that the government forces did not suffer any casualty during the recent encounters.

The other neutralized Daulah Islamiyah members were identified as Fahad Salipada alias Naz, a known close-in security of Hassan; Hamsallah Ganoy Salangani; Salah Salipada; and one known only as alias Tatoks.

The remains of the slain terrorists were turned over to local officials for proper burial and disposition.

“Our series of successes in countering these terrorist elements is an indication that they are on the brink of defeat. With the help of the people of Maguindanao, peace is inevitable in this part of Mindanao,” said Col. Pedro Balisi, commander of 1st Mechanized Brigade.

It can be recalled that the former Amir of Daulah Islamiyah was neutralized during a military operation in Talayan, Maguindanao on Oct. 29, 2021 along with his wife, Jehana Minbida, who was also identified as the finance officer of the terrorist group.

Further, the son of Daulah Islamiyah sub-leader Hasan Indal, identified as alias Adsam, was killed by JTF Central forces in an encounter in Mustapha, Maguindanao last Wednesday.

Banaag disclosed that the firefight happened after receiving reports on the presence of armed men who were extorting supplies in the community.

The clash lasted for about five minutes which caused the armed men to scamper towards different directions leaving behind the lifeless body of Adsam, who the army said was also involved in different criminal activities and atrocities in Central Mindanao.

“The timely information from the community and the intensified security operations of the Joint Task Force Central against the DITG and the BIFF continues to weaken the said violent extremist groups,” said Balisi.

The Army were able to recover a high powered firearm and various war materiel including one 5.56mm rifle; one Bandoleer; 189 rounds of 5.56mm ammunition; four short and three long magazines for M16; and subversive documents.

Uy lauded the troops for their prompt action.

“Continue to work with other law enforcement agencies and with the residents of Maguindanao to eliminate criminals and violent extremists within the communities; we will utilize all available assets of the JTFC to crush the criminals and return the peace to its people. We will not let our guards down against all groups that are threats to the safety and security of the people in South and South Central Mindanao,” Uy said.

Uy is also calling on the remaining members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters and Daulah Islamiyah to surrender and return to the folds of the law.

According to Uy, the government is willing and ready to help those who would surrender and live normal lives with their families instead of fighting for a lost cause.