ILIGAN CITY – Armed Forces Western Mindanao Command chief Lt. Gen. Roy Galido said that the amir (leader) of the Daulah Islamiyah-Philippines and overall amir of the Islamic State-East Asia was killed in a joint law enforcement operation in the wee hours of Wednesday, June 14.
ABU Zacharia (Photo via Bonita Ermac)
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“Based on the report from the ground, Faharudin Hadji Benito Satar/Faharudin Pumbaya Pangalian/Fahar Pumbaya Pangalian, also known as “Abu Zacharia,” amir of the Daulah Islamiyah-Philippines and overall amir of the Islamic State-East Asia, was successfully neutralized after resisting arrest during a joint law enforcement operation conducted at his safe house in Barangay Bangon, Marawi City, Lanao del Sur at about 1:30 a.m. Wednesday,” Galido said.
The Armed Forces under the 103rd Infantry (Haribon) Brigade and the Philippine National Police joined hands to serve a warrant of arrest against Abu Zacharia.
Abu Zacharia, sensing their presence, opened fire and also threw a 60mm mortar and two hand grenades.
A 10-minute gun battle ensued after which troops recovered the body of Abu Zacharia and two M16A1 rifles with ammunition. A soldier was wounded and currently recuperating in a hospital in Marawi City.
Meanwhile, government forces killed another key leader of the Daulah Islamiyah in a follow-up operation conducted in Barangay Bangon, Marawi City, at 6:07 a.m. on Wednesday.
103rd Infantry Brigade commander Brig. Gen. Yegor Rey Barroquillo said the police and military were serving a warrant of arrest against Joharie Sandab, alias “Morsid,” DI-Philippines sub-leader and amir for finance and logistics, when they were fired upon by Sandab with his M16 rifle.
Sandab also threw a hand grenade towards the operating troops but did not explode.
Government forces returned fire and killed Morsid.
Troops recovered the body of Morsid and assorted war materials, including one M16A1 with ammunition, one 9mm pistol with ammunition, and one unexploded hand grenade.
Galido lauded operating troops for neutralizing Abu Zacharia.
“This is a significant breakthrough in our campaign against the Daulah Islamiyah. We are certain that the death of Abu Zacharia will be the downfall of the IS-inspired group in our area of operation," said Galido.
"This achievement is attributable to the solidarity among various sectors. May we continue to walk the path leading to internal security with utmost sincerity and dedication," he added.
Further, let us unite ourselves and journey towards the realization of lasting peace and development, which are inclusive of the inspirations of all the peace-loving people of Mindanao, the Westmincom chief added.
Joint Task Force ZamPeLan (Zamboanga Peninsula and Lanao) commander Maj. Gen. Antonio Nafarrete also commended the operating troops for this accomplishment.