The alleged ISIS-linked terrorist group member killed in a gun buy-bust in Ormoc City Thursday, Nov. 22, 2018. (Contributed photo by Don Leandrew Tiu)
TACLOBAN CITY – A suspected member of a terrorist group linked to Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) and engaged in gun-running was killed in a gun buy-bust operation in Ormoc City Thursday morning.
The Philippine Army's 802nd Infantry Brigade identified the slain alleged terrorist as Joseph “Dawud” Anulga, Jr., a member of Dawlah Islamiyah affiliated with ISIS.
Anulga was shot dead after resisting apprehension during a buy-bust operation in Airport village in Ormoc City conducted by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group and Philippine Army in connection with his gun-running activities.
“Dawud is an Islamic convert and already pledged allegiance to Daesh and its recognized caliph, Abu Bakr Al Baghdadi,” the Army said in a statement. "Daesh" is often used by ISIS’ Arabic-speaking detractors.
Brigadier General Lope Dagoy, 802nd brigade commander reported that Anulga was set to join the local terrorist groups in Mindanao and intended to die as a martyr of Islam. He was reported by residents of Ormoc City to the authorities for persuading locals to convert to Islam.
“Anulga’s death shows the government’s conviction in protecting the people from these lawless elements. This is a clear message that your military and police will not allow neither tolerate terror groups in our midst,” Dagoy said.
Anulga is a direct associate of the late Yusuf Macuto, who was involved in a foiled plot to bomb the US Embassy in November 2016 and the main suspect in the Hilongos, Leyte bombing on Dec. 28, 2016 that wounded 35 people.
Soldiers killed Macuto during the Marawi siege. (PNA)
