KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato – Four suspected members of an Islamic State(IS)-inspired local terror group were killed after they shot it out with security forces who were conducting law enforcement operations in Tboli, South Cotabato on Thursday, January 21.
Police Regional Office 12 (PRO-12) Director Brig. Gen. John Michael Dubria said police and military operatives were about to implement the arrest warrant against the suspects when they were engaged in a shootout in Barangay Basag, T’boli, South Cotabato.
He identified the slain suspects as Saadin Macabangin, Narjaid Macabangin, Baharan Macabangin, and Moen Macabangin who are said to be members of the Dawlah Islamiyah-Katiba terror group tagged responsible in a string criminal activities, including gun-for-hire, robbery, carnapping and illegal drugs.
The raiding team seized one Carbine rifle, two .45 caliber pistol and one fragmentation grenade
Authorities tagged the local terror group as responsible for the gun-slaying of Patrolman Bryan Costelo and Corporal Witzel Russ Betantos both assigned with Polomolok police station, who were waylaid while conducting security patrol in Barangay Koronadal Proper, Polomolok , South Cotabato on April 29, 2020.
The group was also believed responsible in the killing of Senior Inspector Herman, Gabat, Polomolok deputy police chief last 2017.
The local terror group was also responsible for the bomb attack outside the laying-in clinic in Barangay Apopong, this city in September 2018 which injured eight people including a minor.