MILITARY reported the death of nine alleged members of the Dawlah Islamiyah group in a clash with government troops in Piagapo, Lanao del Sur on Thursday, the Philippine Army (PA) said on Saturday.
The encounter occurred in Barangay Tapurog, PA public affairs chief Colonel Louie Dema-ala said.
Of the nine fatalities, eight have been identified.
Among those who were killed was Saumay Saiden (also known as Ustadz Omar, Abu Omar, Saumay), one of four primary suspects allegedly involved in the Mindanao State University (MSU) bombing in December 2023.
Also reported killed was Abdul Hadi (also known as Hodi Imam, Abday’N) who allegedly assembled the improvised explosive device used in the said bombing incident at MSU.
Dema-ala said eight high-powered firearms were recovered.
“Ongoing pa rin ang pursuit operations,” he added in a message sent to reporters.
metrosundaily
