Suspected Abu Sayyaf member killed in Tawi-Tawi

A suspected Abu Sayyaf member was killed following a shootout with government security forces in Bongao, Tawi-Tawi on Tuesday, a military statement said Thursday.

In its statement, the Nava Forces- Western Mindanao identified the slain suspect as Shaifful Julaili, who allegedly fired at policemen and soldiers after fleeing from a government checkpoint in Barangay Lapid.  

Authorities retaliated with gunshots, killing Julaili.

According to an initial investigation, the suspect was involved in a series of kidnapping activities by the Abu Sayyaf in the province Sulu, particularly in the waters off the boundaries of Tawi-Tawi and Sabah.

The government security forces said they have intensified checkpoint operations in Tawi-Tawi to prevent the spillover of the terror attacks in Sulu.

On January 27, 2019, a twin explosion at a cathedral in Jolo, Sulu claimed at least 23 lives and wounded over 90 others.

The bombing attack was attributed by authorities to the Abu Sayyaf. Five suspects already surrendered and are facing murder and frustrated murder cases before the court.

On the other hand, 14 other suspects, including the alleged blast mastermind Hatib Hajan Sawadjaan, remain at large.

Sawadjaan is believed to be the acting emir of the Islamic State’s counterpart extremist group in the country. — Dona Magsino/RSJ, GMA News