[ad_1]
KORONADAL CITY –– Six suspected members of a local terrorist group inspired by the Islamic State were killed in a meeting with government troops early Friday morning in Polomolok, South Cotabato.
Colonel Jemuel Siason, South Cotabato Police Chief, said two policemen were also injured in the encounter at Barangay Koronadal Proper in Polomolok City against members of the Dawlah Islamiya – Maguid Group, affiliated with the Islamic State Ansar Al-Khilafa Philippines. .
Siason said the shooting broke out at 5 am after the suspects resisted troops carrying out the arrest warrant for Arafat Bulacon, a member of Dawlah Islamiyah.
Bulacon and his brother Mommamad were suspects in the murder of police officer 1 Achilles Tablazon in the city of Tupi, also in southern Cotabato, in September.
In a text message, Siason identified one of the dead suspects as Jayton Sadalao.
Siason said the suspects were heavily armed and involved in illegal drug activities, arms trafficking and bombings in the region.
The shots interrupted the flow of traffic inside the village for at least four hours.
Several families also fled to safer locations to avoid being caught in the crossfire.
The operational team included the South Cotabato Police Command, the Polomolok Municipal Station, the 4th Special Action Battalion, the South Cotabato Provincial Mobile Force Command and the 5th Army Special Forces Battalion.
LZB
Read next
Subscribe to INQUIRER PLUS to get access to The Philippine Daily Inquirer and more than 70 other titles, share up to 5 gadgets, listen to the news, download from 4am and share articles on social media. Call 896 6000.
For comments, complaints or inquiries, please contact us.
[ad_2]
