FOUR members of the terrorist group Daulah Islamiyah (DI) died in a firefight with government forces in Barira town in Maguindanao del Norte yesterday, the military said.
Among the fatalities was Mustapha Kasan Kulaw, alias Abu Saiden, described by the military as a “notorious member” of the Daulah Islamiyah which is behind numerous bombing incidents in Mindanao.
Also killed were DI members alias Pudin, a son of DI sub-leader Emarudin Kasan Kulaw, and an alias Abdullah. The other fatality has yet to be identified.
Troops from the Marine Battalion Landing Team 2 were conducting combat operations in Sitio Palao, Barangay Barira in Barira town when they clashed with DI members at around 5:45 a.m.
The fighting also resulted in the recovery of war materiel, including two M16 rifles, a cal. 45 pistol, two anti-personnel mines, and assorted ammunition.
Brig. Gen. Romulo Quemado II, commander of the 1st Marine Brigade, said the successful operation shows the dedication of the troops in addressing threats to security.
“We are not going to stop until we eliminate the threat of terrorism in our area,” said Quemado.
Maj. Gen. Donald Gumiran, commander of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, commended the troops involved in the operation.
Gumiran urged the remaining DI members to surrender and live a peaceful life.
“The government is here to help you and give you the opportunity to have a bright future,” he said.
