TWO members of the terrorist group Daulah Islamiyah (DI) were arrested by government troops during a law enforcement operation in Polomolok, South Cotabato on Wednesday.
The Army’s 6th Infantry Division (ID) based in Maguindanao said troops recovered war materiel, including firearms and bomb components, from Jerry Pandian, 44, and Yeb Salela, 18, both members of the DI operating in Soccsksargen region, and residents of Polomolok town.
6th ID spokesman Lt. Col. Dennis Almorato said Pandian and Salela were nabbed by troops from the Army’s 5th Special Forces Battalion and by policemen in Purok 2, Barangay Glamang in Polomok.
He said Pandian and Salela have arrest warrants for frustrated murder issued by a South Cotabato court.
Also seized from the two were two pistols, assorted ammunition, a magazine, and improvised bomb components including a detonating cord, a blasting cap, battery and switch.
The DI is blamed for numerous atrocities in Mindanao, including bombings, attacks on government troops, and extortion.
6th commander Maj. Gen. Roy Galido commended the soldiers involved in the successful operation.
“Keep it up, keep it going. Let us help our PNP counterpart and the local government unit in South Cotabato in the enforcement of law to ensure communities are safe from any threat,” said Galido.
