GENERAL SANTOS CITY- Four suspected members of the Dawlah Islamiyah terror group were killed in a shootout with security forces who stormed their stronghold in Barangay Lumakil, Polomolok, South Cotabato on Saturday, August 8.
Polomolok police chief Lt. Col. Alex Joe Orcajada identified the suspects as Ottoh Alangan, Amer Pagalasan, Joel Castrana and Mudz Modjie who were killed after they resisted arrest during a raid conducted by police and military intelligence operatives at their hideout in Purok Maguindanao, Barangay Lumakil, Polomolok.
The raiding team arrested the suspects’ cohort Daryl Sambial, while the other other suspects Rod Embang, Solaiman Paraluman and brothers Ryan and Rahimen Bisaya managed to escape during the raid.
Security forces also seized two .45 caliber pistols and several grams of shabu.
Orcajada said the raiding team was about to implement a arrest warrant against Jeoffrey Nilong and Abu Omar, sub-leaders of the Dawlah Islamiyah local terror group, when a shootout ensued.
Police tagged the local terror group as responsible in the killing of Senior Inspector Herman Gabat, Polomolok deputy police chief, in 2017, and the ambush-slay of two policemen, Patrolam Bryan Costello and Corporal Witzel Russ Betantos in Barangay Koronadal Proper here last April 29.
The suspects were also allegedly responsible in the killing of Ivan Jay Nalugon, who was killed after his driven motorcycle was carnapped by the suspects in Barangay Silway 8, Polomolok last August 7.
Orcajada said the suspects were also involved in criminal activities including illegal drug trade, carnapping and gun-for hire as sources of funds for local terror group.