Key Philippine Military and Insurgency-Related Events: WESTMINCOM: Amir of Daulah Islamiyah-Philippines, cohort neutralized in Lanao del Sur

Wednesday, June 14, 2023

WESTMINCOM: Amir of Daulah Islamiyah-Philippines, cohort neutralized in Lanao del Sur

Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Facebook Page (Jun 14, 2023): Amir of Daulah Islamiyah-Philippines, cohort neutralized in Lanao del Sur

Camp Navarro, Calarian, Zamboanga City – June 14, 2023

Western Mindanao Command Chief Lt. Gen. Roy Galido divulged the information that the Amir of the Daulah Islamiyah-Philippines and Overall Amir of Islamic State-East Asia was neutralized in a joint law enforcement operation conducted in the wee hours of June 14, 2023.

“Based on the report from the ground, Faharudin Hadji Benito Satar/Faharudin Pumbaya Pangalian/Fahar Pumbaya Pangalian, a.k.a. Abu Zacharia, Amir of the Daulah Islamiyah-Philippines and Overall Amir of the Islamic State-East Asia was successfully neutralized after resisting arrest during a joint law enforcement operation conducted at his safe house in Barangay Bangon, Marawi City, Lanao del Sur at about 1:30 in the morning, Wednesday,” Lt. Gen. Galido said.

Combined elements of the AFP under the 103rd Infantry Brigade and the PNP conducted a joint operation to serve a warrant of arrest against Abu Zacharia. Sensing the government forces’ presence, the target opened fire, forcing the operating troops to retaliate. Abu Zacharia also threw a 60mm mortar and two hand grenades toward the troops’ position.

Firefight ensued, which lasted for about ten minutes. While clearing the area, troops recovered the dead body of Abu Zacharia and two M16A1 rifles with ammunition. The exchange of fires also resulted in the wounding of one soldier who is currently recuperating in a hospital in Marawi City.

Meanwhile, in a follow-up operation conducted in Bangon, Marawi City, at about 6:07 a.m., same day, government forces successfully neutralized another key leader of the Daulah Islamiyah.

According to Brig. Gen. Yegor Rey Barroquillo, Commander of the 103rd Infantry Brigade, combined elements of the AFP and PNP were serving a warrant of arrest against Joharie Sandab, a.k.a. Morsid, DI-Philippines Sub-Leader and Amir for Finance and Logistics when they were fired upon by the subject using his M16 rifle.

The subject also threw a hand grenade toward the operating troops. Fortunately, the hand grenade did not explode.

The government forces were left with no choice but to return fire. The exchange of fires resulted in the death of Morsid.

While scouring the area, operating troops recovered the dead body of Morsid. Also recovered were assorted war materials including one M16A1 with ammunition, one 9mm pistol with ammunition, and one unexploded hand grenade.

Maj. Gen. Antonio Nafarrete, Commander of Joint Task Force ZamPeLan, commended the operating troops for this laudable accomplishment.

For his part, Lt. Gen. Galido said, “This is a significant breakthrough in our campaign against the Daulah Islamiyah. We are certain that the death of Abu Zacharia will be the downfall of the IS-inspired group in our area of operation.”

“This achievement is attributable to the solidarity among various sectors. May we continue to walk the path leading to internal security with utmost sincerity and dedication. Let us unite ourselves and journey toward the realization of lasting peace and development, which are inclusive of the inspirations of all the peace-loving people of Mindanao,” the WestMinCom Commander added.