Key Philippine Military and Insurgency-Related Events: WESTMINCOM: 4 Daulah Islamiyah members apprehended in Lanao del Sur

Sunday, May 28, 2023

WESTMINCOM: 4 Daulah Islamiyah members apprehended in Lanao del Sur

Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Facebook Page (May 27, 2023): 4 Daulah Islamiyah members apprehended in Lanao del Sur

Camp Navarro, Calarian, Zamboanga City – May 27, 2023

Four young members of the Daulah Islamiyah-Lanao were apprehended in Lanao del Sur on Thursday evening, May 25.

According to Joint Task Force ZamPeLan Commander, Maj. Gen. Antonio Nafarrete, troops of the 32nd Infantry Battalion acted on information from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front members under Esmail Cosain, a.k.a. Kumander Delta, regarding the presence of unidentified armed men in Barangay Pabrika, Marugong, Lanao del Sur.

While moving towards the target area, operating troops, composed of a platoon of soldiers and five MILF members, sighted a group of armed men. Sensing the presence of the government forces, the armed men scampered in different directions prompting the troops to execute a hasty raid.

The operation resulted in the apprehension of four young armed personalities identified as members of DI-Lanao under Juhari Sandab, a.k.a. Abu Morsid. Accordingly, they were waiting for supplies and foodstuffs coming from their supporters in the said area.

Among the apprehended personalities are: a.k.a. Abu Rasas, 18, the Amirol Media and one of the key leaders under Fajarudin Pumbaya Pangalian, a.k.a. Abu Zacariah, the Amir of DI-Philippines; Saidi, 18, brother of DI-Lanao sub-leader known as Abu Sham; and two minors age 16 and 14.

Seized from their possession were the following firearms, explosives, and ammunition: one 7.62mm M14 rifle, one 5.56mm M16A1 rifle, one 5.56mm R4 rifle, one 40mm M203 Grenade Launcher, one 7.62mm Springfield rifle, five improvised explosive devices, five 40mm Grenade Launcher ammunition, and assorted magazines and ammunition.

Troops immediately coordinated with PNP counterparts for the filing of appropriate charges against the apprehended personalities.

Western Mindanao Command Chief, Lt. Gen. Roy Galido, commended Joint Task Force ZamPeLan under Maj. Gen. Nafarrete for this accomplishment. He also lauded the good relationship between the MILF and the military in the area, which resulted in the successful operation.