THE Armed Forces said one of the nine Daulah Islamiyah-Maute Group (DI-MG) members who died in military operations in Lanao del Sur last month was the amir or leader of the terrorist group that masterminded the bombing at the Mindanao State University in Marawi City last December.
Col. Xerxes Trinidad, chief of the AFP Public Affairs Office, announced the death of Khadafi Mimbesa, alias Engineer, dealing another blow to the group blamed for numerous bombings and other atrocities in Mindanao.
The military’s statement came a day after a “high-value” DI-MG member, identified only as Khatab, surrendered to the 2nd Mechanized Brigade.
Trinidad said Khatab “corroborated the initial information on (the) demise of the DI-Maute Group amir and the mastermind behind the MSU bombing.”
Troops from the Army’s 3rd Scout Ranger Battalion clashed with some DI-MG members in Piagapo, Lanao del Sur last January 25 and 26, leading to the death of nine group members and the wounding of four soldiers.
Two of the fatalities, identified as Saumay Saiden, and Abdul Hadi, were initially linked by the military to the MSU bombing that left four people dead and injured 50 others.
Armed Forces chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. reiterated his commendation of the troops for the successful military operation against the DI-MG members involved in the MSU bombing.
Brawner urged the remaining members of the terrorist group to surrender, noting the military’s continuing relentless operation against them.
“Our troops will be relentless in the pursuit of those who will seek to disturb the peace. Take this as an invitation and a call to surrender now and avoid the same fate as your dead comrades,” said Brawner.
“The Armed Forces of the Philippines will always be a catalyst for peace and assures the public of the military’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding peace and security in Mindanao and across the country,” added Brawner.
Mimbesa, according to the PNP, was among the two DI-MG members who detonated the improvised explosive device at the MSU gymnasium while a Catholic mass was taking place.
President Marcos Jr. yesterday conferred medals to the four soldiers who were injured in the operation during a visit to the Army General Hospital in Fort Bonifacio.
Marcos, the military’s commander-in-chief, awarded the Gold Cross Medal to Staff Sgt. Jhonny Batucan Jr. and Private First Class Mark John Culaway “in recognition of their gallantry in action,” according to Army spokesman Col. Louie Dema-ala.
“The President also awarded Military Merit Medals with Bronze Spearhead Device to the two other soldiers for their crucial role in the said operation,” Dema-ala added, referring to Privates First Class Vicent Salvani and Jheremy Addatu.
Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., Armed Forces chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. and Army chief Lt. Gen. Roy Galido accompanied the President who personally pinned the medals to the four soldiers, who also received the Wounded Personnel Medal.
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
Communications Secretary Cheloy Garafil said the President also handed a P100,000 special financial assistance and P10,000 cash aid under the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to the wounded soldiers.
Marcos, in his talks with the troops, recognized the soldiers’ courage and unwavering dedication to protect the Filipino people and to defend the nation against elements that threaten the security of the country.
He again assured them of the government’s continued efforts to implement programs that will provide assistance to battle casualties and promote the welfare of the personnel of the Armed Forces and their families.
He also told them that his office is acting on the request of the AGH and the Camp Evangelista Station Hospital (CESH) for additional equipment, allowing them to better serve the troops. — With Jocelyn Montemayor
