Thursday, April 4, 2019

Bro of top IS-linked BIFF leader killed in Maguindanao clash

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 4, 2019): Bro of top IS-linked BIFF leader killed in Maguindanao clash


KEEPING WATCH. A government trooper keeps watch of their position following a clash on Wednesday (March 3) with Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters in Shariff Saydona Mustapha, Maguindanao. (Photo courtesy of 6ID)

CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao -- A top sub-leader of the Islamic State-inspired Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) was killed during a clash with the military in Shariff Saydona Mustapha town, Maguindanao province early Wednesday.

Maj. Arvin John Encinas, speaking for the Army’s 6th Infantry Division (6ID), identified the slain BIFF sub-leader as Ali Abdulmalik, brother of notorious BIFF leader Esmael Abdulmalik alias “Abu Toraife”, long wanted by the law for a string of bombing and other terroristic activities in Central Mindanao.


“Ali (Abdulmalik) was killed in a clash with troopers from the Army’s 601st Brigade in Barangay Pamalian, Shariff Saydona Mustapha, at 5:30 a.m. Wednesday,” Encinas said.

Ali, together with his brother Abu Toraife, were both trained in bomb-making by Malaysian terrorist Zulkifli Abdhir alias “Marwan”, who was killed on Jan. 25, 2015 during the controversial Mamasapano clash.

Meanwhile, the 6ID said that Wednesday’s bombing in Isulan, Sultan Kudarat, may have been the handiwork of the BIFF, pointing out that Ali’s death occurred only some 10 hours before a bomb went off at a restaurant in the area.

“There is a possibility that the bombing of Carlito’s restaurant in Isulan was to avenge the death of Ali, younger brother of Abu Toraife, by preying (on) innocent civilians,” said Maj. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, the Army’s 6ID commander.

Initial investigation by the police, however, pointed to extortion as the motive behind the Isulan bomb attack.

Police said the management of the restaurant has been receiving text messages from an extortion group since March 28 demanding PHP50,000 in monthly protection money.

Wednesday’s bombing incident left at least 17 customers of the restaurant wounded, including minors and a pregnant woman.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1066454

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