IS-linked terror group leader, wife slain

MANILA, Philippines — The leader of the Islamic State (IS)-linked Dawlah Islamiya and his wife were killed in a joint police and military operation in Talayan, Maguindanao before dawn yesterday.

Salahudin Hassan, alias Orak, and his wife Jehana Minbida, finance officer of the terrorist group, shot it out with government troopers who tried to arrest them at their house in Sitio Sinikrit, Barangay Talayan, Maj. Gen. Juvymax Uy, 6th Infantry Division (ID) and Joint Task Force Central commander, said.

“Hassan is the overall Dawlah Islamiya leader not only in Central Mindanao but in the country. He was involved in many terror activities and bombings, targeting business establishments and businessmen and exacting extortion money,” Uy said.

A reward of P1.3 million had earlier been put up for information leading to Hassan’s arrest.

Hassan’s group was tagged in the bombing of the Davao City night market on Sept. 2, 2016 that left 24 people dead and 70 others wounded.

The Dawlah Islamiya was also tagged in the bombing of a shopping mall in Cotabato City in 2018.

Lt. Col. John Paul Baldomar, 6th ID spokesman, said Hassan’s group was involved in the bombing of a bus in Tulunan and burning of another in M’Lang in Cotabato in January and June, respectively. Three persons died and five others were injured in the incidents.

“We are sure many of Hassan’s followers have surrendered. With his death we are expecting several more of his followers to come out and surrender,” Baldomar said.

Hassan organized the Dawlah Islamiya in 2016, four years after he bolted the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters.

He also led two Dawlah Islamiya subgroups – Ansa’r Khilafa Philippines operating in Sarangani and Al-Khobar – which were tagged in attacks on buses over the refusal of their owners to give protection money on a regular basis.

Big blow

Armed Forces of the Philippines chief Gen. Jose Faustino Jr. commended the 6th ID for its successful operation against Hassan.

Faustino said the remains of Hassan and his wife as well as an R4 rifle, a bandolier and long magazines with ammunition were recovered at the scene.

“This is a significant blow against the Dawlah Islamiya and another victory in our thrust against terrorism. With their leader now dead, the terrorist group will certainly crumble,” he said.

Faustino said activities such as Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism programs were proven to be effective in denying militants the opportunity to recruit members and stage atrocities in vulnerable communities. –  Michael Punongbayan