Soldiers behind neutralization of 9 Daulah Islamiyah members get medals

The Armed Forces of the Philippines' Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom) has conferred medals on troops responsible for last week's neutralization of nine Daulah Islamiyah-Maute Group (DI-MG) members in Lanao del Sur.

WestMinCom commander Lieutenant General William Gonzales awarded the Military Merit Medal to the personnel of the 3rd Scout Ranger Battalion during his visit to the 103rd Infantry Brigade on Monday, January 29, 2024.

In a news release, the WestMinCom said Military Merit Medal interim to Distinguished Conduct Star was awarded to the following:

• First Lieutenant Allan Kenny Manuel
• Private First Class Mark John Culaway

The two received the medals for their "acts of conspicuous courage and gallantry in action while serving as the platoon leader, ground commanders and lead scout of the assaulting team during a series of encounters against more or less 15 DI-MG members under Arsani Membisa, a.k.a. Khatab/Lapitos, in Barangay Taporog, Piagapo, Lanao del Sur on January 26, 2024."

The same medal was awarded to Second Lieutenant Feljoy Ending, the WestMinCom said. 

Meanwhile, a Military Merit Medal interim to Gold Cross Medal was awarded to 11 soldiers who were part of the operating force during the conduct of the operations. 

Killed in the operation were identified as Saumay Saiden alias Ustadz Omar/Abu Omar/Saumay; Salman alias Mikdad/Miqdad; Abdul Hadi alias Hodi Imam/Abday’N; Lacson Timbang alias Abdullah; King Fahad Dalig Untie alias Muhajeer/Abu Khalid; Asnawi Mael alias Hamza/Asnawi; and two identified only as alias Mauwiyah and alias Mohaimen. 

Four soldiers were injured in the clash. 

The military earlier said Saumay Saiden was one of four primary suspects allegedly involved in the Mindanao State University (MSU) bombing in December 2023 that killed four people.

Hadi, meanwhile, was the one who allegedly assembled the improvised explosive device used in the MSU bombing.

"The decisive military operations also resulted in the recovery of eight high-powered firearms, one bandolier, four Baofeng radios, and one smartphone," the WestMinCom said. 

Gonzales also visited and conferred medals to the casualties who are recuperating in a hospital in Iligan City. —KBK, GMA Integrated News