Gang leader killed in Sultan Kudarat

COTABATO CITY, Philippines - Marine combatants shot dead on Wednesday a notorious criminal gang leader in an encounter in Palimbang, Sultan Kudarat province.

Lt. Colonel Chute Adecer, commanding officer of the 7th Marine Battalion, said the firefight erupted when Ibrahim Dayao, also known as Commander Kumao, and his men opened fire on Marines sent to verify the reported presence of heavily armed men in Sitio Lagaton in Barangay Baluan in Palimbang.

Dayao was killed in the ensuing exchange of gunfire. He and his men were long subject of a police manhunt for their involvement in cattle theft, extortion and armed robbery.

The firefight waned only after followers of Dayao scampered away after he was felled with rifle shots by advancing Marine combatants. 

The Marines that clashed with Dayao’s group recovered beside his body an M14 assault rifle, an AK-47 Kalashnikov, a live shoulder-fire grenade projectile, a pair of two-way radios and combat uniforms.

The Marines learned of Dayao’s presence in the area from local folks complaining of his taxation activities.

Adecer said no one from his men was hurt in the brief encounter.