6, including IS affiliate leader, dead in clash with troops in South Cotabato

COTABATO CITY—A senior Islamic State (IS) member in South Cotabato province was among six terror suspects killed in a clash with policemen and soldiers early on Friday (Nov. 13).

Maj. Gen. Juvymax Uy, head of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, identified the slain IS fighter as Arafat Bulacon, aka Maula. Uy said Maula was one of the previously unheard leaders of IS affiliate Ansar Khilafa Philippines (AKP).

The clash erupted at the village of Koronadal Proper in Polomolok town as government forces were on a mission to serve two arrest warrants for murder on Bulacon.

Uy said Bulacon and his five followers fired upon the law enforcers to block the warrant’s serving.

Bulacon’s group is a remnant of the Maguid faction of the AKP terror group, Uy added.

Col. Jemuel Siason, South Cotabato police chief, identified one of those killed as Jayton Sadalao.

After the gunfight, authorities found a caliber 5.56 M4 rifle, two 12-gauge homemade shotguns, two caliber 38 revolvers, one handgun that uses caliber 5.56 bullets, an IED and an IS flag.

Bulacon was among those believed to be behind the 2018 General Santos City bombing. He was also allegedly involved in several crimes in South Cotabato, a military report said.

Uy said the mission to arrest Bulaon was one of a series aimed at flushing out terror groups in the area.

Uy gave credit to residents who tipped off authorities about the location of Bulacon’s group.

Edited by TSB