INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
Updated on June 14, 2023 at 9:25 p.m.
ILIGAN CITY — The elusive leader of Islamic State-linked Dawlah Islamiya and another official were slain Wednesday in a clash with government forces in Lanao del Sur.
Zacharia was killed after resisting arrest in his safe house in Barangay Bangon at around 1:30 a.m., according to Wesmincom Chief Lt. Gen. Roy Galido.
“We are certain that the death of Abu Zacharia will be the downfall of the IS-inspired group in our area of operation,” Galido said in a statement.
Government troops and ISIS members figured in a ten-minute firefight while the leader also threw a hand grenade towards the soldiers.
“Sensing the government forces’ presence, the target opened fire, forcing the operating troops to retaliate. Abu Zacharia also threw a 60mm mortar and two hand grenades toward the troops’ position,” Galido said.
Zacharia’s body was recovered after the firefight, along with two M16A1 rifles and ammunition.
A soldier was also wounded and is currently recuperating in a Marawi City hospital.
Meanwhile, a follow-up operation was conducted in the same city at around 6:07 am, which also led to the death of another leader of ISIS identified as Joharie Sandab, a.k.a. Morsid, who served as Daulah Islamiyah-Philippines subleader and “emir” for finance and logistics.
Sandab also threw a hand grenade toward the operating troops, which did not explode. This prompted government troops to return fire which resulted in his death.
Government troops recovered the dead body of Morsid along with assorted war materials including one M16A1 with ammunition, one 9mm pistol with ammunition, and the unexploded hand grenade.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said the death of the said personalities “further weakened the capability of the local terrorist group to mount hostile and destructive acts.”
“The trust and support of our people, which resulted to successful joint law enforcement operations, motivates us to be relentless and aggressive in our counter-terrorism efforts to establish secured and peaceful communities,” AFP spokesperson Medel Aguilar said in a statement.
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