7 ‘terrorists’ slain in Army offensives

COTABATO CITY, Philippines — Seven alleged terrorists were confirmed killed in a series of military offensives in Mindanao last week.

The fatalities were reportedly followers of Dawlah Islamiya leader Almoben Sebud, who is wanted by authorities for a several of atrocities in Central Mindanao.

Local officials and evacuees from Maguindanao del Sur’s Pagalungan and Montawal towns told journalists yesterday that three of the fatalities – identified as Badrudin Mendo, Aljim Sandigan and Odin Dicaya – were minors.

The Dawlah Islamiya is known for using minors in carrying out terrorist activities.

The military said it fired cannons at the terorists’ hideouts located near the Liguasan Delta.

Maj. Gen. Alex Rillera, chief of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, said the offensives were launched after villagers reported the presence of Sebud and his men in one of the terrorists’ hideouts.

The terrorists were reportedly preparing to attack non-military targets during the observance of the Ramadhan, which started on March 24.