‘Isis-inspired’ rebel killed in Lanao Sur

From the Sun Star-Cagaya de Oro (Jan 16): ‘Isis-inspired’ rebel killed in Lanao Sur

ILIGAN CITY - A local terrorist known by locals here to have been inspired by Isis, the Islamic militant group known variously as the Islamic State or the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham, was killed around 6 a.m. Friday, January 15, in Barangay Gata, Buadipuso Buntong in Lanao del Sur.

The military did not reveal the identity of the terrorist but said two civilians were also killed.

Colonel Roseller Murillo, commanding officer of 103rd Brigade of the Philippine Army based in Kampo Ranao in Marawi City, identified the two civilians as Panundi Sultan and son Noble Sultan.

Murillo said the two civilians were killed after they chanced upon armed men under the Maute group whose presence were earlier reported by residents.

"The relatives of the victims retaliated in a firefight which killed one of the terrorists who was wearing a headband with an Isis symbol,” Murillo said.

"An Army report further disclosed that the terrorists were in an ambush position waiting for a military vehicle," Murillo said.

"At around 11:20 in the morning the 65th Infantry Battalion, while in a hot pursuit operations, encountered another armed group in the village of Lilod in Maguing town and killed one of the armed men and wounded another," Murillo added.

Murillo said the armed group that figured in a firefight with government troops in Maguing could have been part of the armed men in Buadipuso Buntong.
Murillo said the troops recovered one M4 rifle.

"We are closely monitoring the movement and veracity of reported locally inspired ISIS operating in Lanao del Sur and Marawi City,” Murillo said.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines had earlier dismissed reports on the alleged presence of Isis in Southern Philippines.

Meanwhile, the Philippines condemned the terror attack in Indonesia on Thursday, which resulted to the death of seven people and left 24 others injured.

In a statement, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said the Thursday morning attack claimed by the Islamic State is simply unacceptable.

"The Philippines strongly condemns the attacks in Jakarta in the morning of January 14, 2016 that claimed the lives of innocent people," said the DFA.

It assured the government of Indonesia that Filipinos are one with their Indonesian brothers and sisters in this time of tragedy.

On Thursday, Jakarta was struck by terror attacks after a bomb exploded followed by an armed battle between the police and the attackers.

The DFA said the Philippine Embassy in Jakarta is closely monitoring the situation and is in contact with Indonesian authorities.

"So far, there are no reports of Filipino casualties in the attacks," said the DFA.

Records show that there is an estimated 8,000 Filipinos in Indonesia.

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cagayan-de-oro/local-news/2016/01/16/isis-inspired-rebel-killed-lanao-sur-452052