Alleged Dawlah Islamiyah member slain in police operation

KORONADAL CITY – An alleged member of a local terrorist organization linked to the Islamic State was killed when he traded shots with law enforcers during pursuit operations on Wednesday noon following a series of shooting incidents in Tupi, South Cotabato.

Master Sgt. Rea Mae Gatinao of Tupi municipal police station identified the slain suspect as Montaser Bansil Catucan, alias “Tong Catucan,” of Dawlah Islamiyah-Soccsksargen. A pistol was recovered from his possession.

Catucan’s companion managed to escape during a brief firefight in Barangay Polonuling, Tupi.

Police rushed Catucan to a hospital but he died along the way.

Gatinao said Catucan resisted arrest during pursuit operations after he and a cohort shot two passenger motorbike drivers while evading pursuing policemen.

One of the “habal-habal” drivers, Percy Lagne, 43, was killed while another driver, Noel Alconera, 62, was injured.

Catucan is believed to be member of a local terrorist group linked to the Lanao-based Maute terrorist organization that pledged allegiance to IS.

The remains of Catucan, a resident of Barangay Sumbakil, Polomolok, South Cotabato, is still in a morgue awaiting claimants.

READ: Army announces death of Dawla Islamiyah terrorist leader in Maguindanao