2 bandits linked to ISIS nabbed

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 7): 2 bandits linked to ISIS nabbed

Acting on tips from civilians, police and military authorities arrested two local terrorists claiming alliance with ISIS during law enforcement operations Tuesday afternoon, the Army here said.

Capt. John Arvin Encinas, spokesperson for the 6th Infantry “Kampilan” Division, said joint police and Army forces raided a safe house in Barangay Dimapatoy, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao during the 4 p.m. law enforcement operations.

He said the joint operation carried out by 5th Army Special Forces Battalion, 19th Infantry Battalion, Maguindanao police and 6th ID military intelligence unit and resulted in the arrest of Butucan Raguiab and Akmad Acob, both ethnic Maguindanaon.

The target of operation, Eskak Mohammad, managed to elude arrest, according to Senior Supt. Agustin Tello, Maguindanao police chief.

"Our troops backed the police in the law enforcement operation after civilians in the area reported the presence of heavily armed men brandishing high-powered guns and ISIS flag,” Encinas told the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

Mohammad sensed the presence of government forces and quickly fled, he added.

Recovered from the two local terrorists were one Barret sniper rifle, 10 long firearms, four improvised explosive devices and a rifle grenade. Also recovered were military paraphernalia and ammunition.

“The successful operation was a result of the focused and intensified military operation against the local terror groups in Central Mindanao following Presidents Rodrigo Duterte’s declaration of Martial Law in Mindanao,” according to 603rd Infantry Brigade chief, Col. Jesus Sarsagat.

Major General Arnel Dela Vega, 6th Infantry Division commander, lauded troops involved in the successful conduct of operation and directed them to continue their efforts against terrorism.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/993934