MILF facilitates military operation vs Dawlah Islamiyah; nine militants killed in Lanao Sur clash

THE Moro Islamic Liberation Front allowed an assault force of Army Scout rangers to pass and attack a band of Dawlah Islamiyah militants hiding near their camps in Barangay Tapurog, Piagapo in Lanao del Sur on January 25, 2024.

Bangsamoro Parliament member Abdullah Makapaar, member and former rebel commander of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front said following protocol, he ordered their mujahideen fighters to stand down in accordance with the ceasefire agreement between the government and the MILF.

“I also ordered my men to arrest any Dawlah Islamiya members if they seek refuge in our camps, “ Makapaar who is also known as “Commander Bravo,” told reporters in Marawi City on Monday.

Makapaar said he would also facilitate the surrender of a wounded Dawlah Islamiya member who have sent surrender feelers to him.

He said the militant was among the six militants who managed to escape in last January 25 encounters in Barangay Tapurog.

Under the peace agreement between the government and the MILF, both parties agreed to strengthen their coordination and cooperation to avoid mis encounters in a field similar to the 2015 Mamasapano incident that left 44 police officers and 18 MILF fighters killed.

Brig. General Yegor Rey Barroquillo, commander of the Army 103rd Infantry Brigade said after receiving assurance from Bravo, they immediately attacked the militants who were staying in a nipa hut in Barangay Tapurog.

“We launched our attack at around 4 pm and stopped during the night. The following morning we attacked again,” Barroquillo said.

Baroquillo said a total of three firefights were initiated by the Scout rangers who had a sniper team against the militants.

He said three of the nine militants killed were involved in the December 3 bombing of a Catholic Mass in Mindanao State University that left four dead and 72 injured.

Baroquillo said they were Saumay Saiden alias Abu Omar, the alleged bomb maker; Abdul Hadi, who allegedly assembled the explosive device used in the MSU bombing; and a certain Salman.

“We are positive about the involvement of these three. They were caught on the CCTV. Omar was the one who was wearing a white polo and who planted the bomb,” Barroquilo said.

Baroquillo said unfortunately, the alleged mastermind of the MSU bombing identified as Kadapi Mimbesa or alias “Engineer” managed to escape during the fighting on January 25.

He said the scout rangers attacked 15 militants of which nine were killed and six managed to escape including Mimbesa.