Daulah Islamiyah sub-leader killed, 7 cops injured in Marawi City clash

A sub-leader of the Islamic State-linked Daulah Islamiyah was killed while seven police personnel were wounded in a joint operation conducted in Barangay Guimba in Marawi City by the 103rd Infantry Brigade and Lanao del Sur Philippine National Police early Monday morning.

In a statement, Commander of the Western Mindanao Command Lt. Gen. Corlero Vinluan, Jr. said they acted on information provided by the residents on the presence of the Usop Nasif also known as Abu Asraf who is the second in command after Abu Zacaria.

The security personnel were on their way to Nasif’s hideout when his followers opened fire and they retaliated.

Nasif, the military said, incurred fatal wounds during the 30-minute firefight. Nasif was brought to the Amai Pakpak Medical Center but was declared dead on arrival.

Recovered from the area are: a motorcycle, Glock 17 pistol that was believed to be previously issued  to one a soldier who was shot to death by the suspect in September 2019, a pressure type IED attached with battery clip, IED Anti-Personnel, Mark II fragmentation grenade, and several IED components

At least seven police officers were injured during the firefight. Their identities are withheld pending notification of their next of kin.

“Based on the report from the ground, the wife of Nasif, identified as Almaira Panduma, was also wounded during the clash and was also brought to Amai Pakpak Medical Center for medical treatment,” said Brig. Gen. Jose Maria Cuerpo II, Commander of the 103rd Infantry Brigade.

Cuerpo also said that Nasif was the primary suspect in the killing of three Army personnel, namely; Corporal Albert Saura, Corporal Bryan Binayug, and Private 1st Class Albert Soriano at the boundary of Poona Piagapo and Pantao Ragat, Lanao del Norte on January 14, 2021.

He was also implicated in the killing of civilians who failed to give in to their extortion demands.

Meanwhile, troops continue track down the 10 cohorts of Nasif.

“With the neutralization of Nasif, we are hopeful that his followers will be convinced to lay down their arms and end their armed struggle,” Vinluan said. -- with Merlyn Manos/BAP, GMA News