A SUB-LEADER of the terrorist group Daulah Islamiyah was killed in a firefight with government troops in Esperanza town in Sultan Kudarat on Wednesday, the military said yesterday.
Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, commander of the Zamboanga City-based Western Mindanao Command, identified the fatality as Jazzer Nilong, alias Khalid Di Nilong.
Brig. Gen. Roberto Capulong, commander of the Army’s 602nd Brigade, said Nilong has a standing arrest warrant, issued by a General Santos City court, for frustrated murder.
Nilong was also involved in the September 2018 bombing in General Santos City, which injured seven persons.
He said Nilong also figured in the assassination of police Capt. Herman Gabat, deputy chief of police of Polomolok town in South Cotabato, in November 2017.
Vinluan said Nilong fought it out with forces of the Army’s 7th Infantry Division and PNP units at the Migyz Inn in Purok Hiligaynon, Barangay Saliao in Esperanza town.
“The target sensed the presence of the government forces who were conducting surveillance operation. He immediately drew his gun and fired at the operatives and so they were forced to retaliate,” he said.
Vinluan said the troops exchanged fire with Nilong for about two minutes, leading to the death of the sub-leader.
Recovered from the scene were a cal. 45 pistol with a magazine and four ammunition, a 60mm mortar round, a rifle grenade, electric blasting caps, battery, other war materiel and two heat-sealed sachets containing shabu.
