Two Filipino ISIS terrorists killed, possible revenge expected
The duo were allegedly members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters terror group.
MAGUINDANAO DEL NORTE: Philippine authorities in Maguindanao del Sur are placed on heightened alert for possible retaliation from a pro-Daesh extremist group whose two members were killed during a clash in the southern province of Maguindanao del Norte.
Maj. Gen. Alex Rillera, the Army’s 6th Infantry Division commander, in a statement, said the two were allegedly members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF).
He identified the two as Muhamadin Salim, 24, and Manan Udza, 27, both of Shariff Saydona Mustapha municipality, Maguindanao del Norte.
An army and police team flagged down Salim and Udza Saturday morning at a checkpoint in front of the Army’s 23rd Mechanized Company command post in Eliana village, Datu Saudi Ampatuan municipality.
“Instead of submitting themselves for inspection, the duo drove off on their motorcycle, but they were blocked by the troops manning the choke point,” said Rillera, who is also the commander of Joint Task Force Central.
Rillera said one of the motorcycle-riding men abruptly opened fire, forcing the operating troops to retaliate.
“The exchange of fires resulted in the death of the two lawless elements,” he said.
Soldiers recovered a .45-caliber pistol, an improvised explosive device, and a red Honda XRM motorcycle from the two men.
The cadavers and recovered possessions were claimed by their respective families on the same day, Rillera said.