ILIGAN CITY – An Abu Sayyaf Group leader tagged in the Jolo Cathedral bombing in Sulu in 2019 where 23 persons died was killed in an encounter in Basilan on Saturday, December 2, the military said Sunday, December 3.
Lt. Gen. William Gonzales, Armed Forces Western Mindanao Command chief, identified the fatality as Mudzrimar Sawadjaan, alias “Mundi.”
SOLDIERS carry the body of Mudzrimar Sawadjaan after he was killed in an encounter on Saturday. (FB)
Sawadjaan was killed in an encounter with government troops patrolling the municipal waters between Barangay Banah, Tipo-Tipo, and Barangay Lahi-lahi, Tuburan, while he was about to leave the island-province.
According to the military, Sawadjaan is a bomb expert and the mastermind and architect of suicide bombings in Sulu.
Among the atrocities he committed, according to the military, is the twin bombing in downtown Jolo in 2020 that killed 14 people and injured 75 others.
Late last year, Mundi left Sulu, evading government operations, and was later monitored in Basilan earlier this year.
Gonzales congratulated Joint Task Force Orion for neutralizing Sawadjaan and running after the remaining local terrorists operating in Sulu and Basilan.
“The neutralization of Sawadjaan will not only keep the people safe but has finally given justice to the hundreds of victims of his atrocities,” he said.
Joint Task Force Orion commander Major Gen. Ignatius Patrimonio commended the 101st Infantry (Three Red Arrows) Brigade under Brig. Gen. Alvin V. Luzon for their relentless efforts in keeping Basilan peaceful and safe.
Luzon urged remaining ASG members to follow their comrades who have chosen to walk on the path to peace and development.
"We welcome all remaining ASG members who have decided to value their own and their families' lives," he said. "Be assured that we will help them reintegrate into the mainstream society."
Luzon said the support of the people of Basilan and their vigilance greatly contributed to keeping Sawadjaan always on the run.
He said that the support of the provincial government of Basilan led by Gov. Jim Hataman-Salliman significantly boosted the operations of the brigade and was greatly instrumental in the eventual neutralization of Sawadjaan.
The provincial government assisted and facilitated the burial of Sawadjaan in traditional Muslim rites.