Notorious Dawlah Islamiyah leader killed

ILIGAN CITY – An alleged notorious sub-leader of the Dawlah Islamiyah local terrorist group was killed in a 30-minute gunfight yesterday in Guimba, Marawi City, Lanao del Sur.

He was identified as Usop Nasif, also known as “Abu Asraf,” said to be the next in line to Lanao del Sur’s current Dawlah Islamiya terrorist leader Abu Zacaria.

Nasif was declared dead on arrival at the Amai Pakpak Medical Center in Marawi City. He sustained multiple bullet wounds in the joint law enforcement operation conducted by the Philippine National Police (PNP) and Army.

The wife of Nasif was injured and was immediately brought to the same hospital for medical treatment while seven personnel of the PNP and one Army soldier were wounded in the firefight.

Brig. Gen. Jose Maria Cuerpo II, 103rd Infantry Brigade commander, said the neutralized local terrorist was the primary suspect in the killings of three police and three Army personnel early this year. He was also implicated in the killing of civilians who failed to give in to their extortion demands.

"Troops are on pursuit against the cohorts of Nasif and we encourage the locals to report their presence so that we could stop their terrorist activities in the province," Cuerpo added.

Major Gen. Generoso Ponio, Army 1st Infantry (Tabak) Division commander, commended the PNP and Army for the successful neutralization of the terrorist group sub-leader.

"We vow to remain relentless against these terrorist groups to sustain the peace and progress that we have attained in our area of responsibility," said Ponio.