GENERAL SANTOS CITY- A barangay councilor, who is believed to be a supporter of the Dawlah Islamiyah terror group, was killed after he shot it out with security forces who raided his house in Polomolok, South Cotabato last Friday.
Polomolok Police Director Lt. Col. Alex Joe Orcajada said Bassit Piang Canapia, barangay councilor of Barangay Rubber, resisted arrest as police and military operatives tried to implement a search warrant for illegal drugs and firearms at his house in Barangay Rubber, Polomolok early morning Friday, August 21.
Police tagged the suspect as supporter of the Dawlah Islamiyah terror group under sub-leader Jeoffrey Nilong.
The terror group was tagged responsible for the killing of police officers Patrolman Bryan Costelo and Corporal Witzel Russ Betantos, who were waylaid while conducting security patrol in Barangay KoroNadal Proper, Polomolok last April 29.
The group was also tagged responsible in the killing of P/Senior Inspector Herman, Gabat, polomolok deputy police chief last 2017.
Authorities said the local terror group was involved in criminal activities, including illegal drug trade, carnapping and gun-for-hire as means to raise operational funds for the organization.
Police and military operatives killed a suspected member of the terror group who was intercepted aboard a motorcycle at a checkpoint along the national highway in Barangay Crosing Palkan last Thursday.
Police identified the slain suspect as Mansur Cabalu who was tagged in the killing of Ivan Jay Nalugon who was killed after the suspect robbed the victim of his driven motorcycle in Barangay Silway 8, Polomolok, South Cotabato last August 7.
Police said the suspect was killed after he resisted arrest.
Police operatives were able to recover the stolen motorcycle of Nalugon being driven by the suspect.