AFP spokesperson Col. Medel Aguilar (File photo)
MANILA – The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said the death of the Daesh emir in Southeast Asia, Abu Zacharia, and another cohort during two operations in Marawi City has further weakened the capability of the terrorist group to wreak havoc in the country.
"The death of Faharudin Hadji Benito Satar, a.k.a. Abu Zacharia, the so-called emir of Daesh in Southeast Asia, and Joharie Sandab, a.k.a. Morsid, DI (Daulah Islamiya)-Philippines sub-leader for finance and logistics, in armed skirmishes today (Wednesday) in Barangay Bangon, Marawi City has further weakened the capability of the local terrorist group to mount hostile and destructive acts," AFP spokesperson Col. Medel Aguilar said in a statement Wednesday night.
Zacharia is known as the emir of DI-Philippines. Both men are facing various criminal cases in courts of law.
"The trust and support of our people, which resulted (in) successful joint law enforcement operations, motivates us to be relentless and aggressive in our counter-terrorism efforts to establish secure and peaceful communities," Aguilar said.
Zacharia was neutralized by security forces after resisting arrest during a joint law enforcement operation conducted at their safe houses in Barangay Bangon around 1:30 a.m. Wednesday.
Combined elements of the AFP under the 103rd Infantry Brigade and the Philippine National Police (PNP) conducted a joint operation to serve a warrant of arrest against the terrorist leader.
Sensing the government forces’ presence, the target opened fire, forcing the operating troops to retaliate.
Zacharia also threw a 60mm mortar and two hand grenades toward the troops’ position. In the ensuing 10-minute firefight, the terrorist leader was killed while a soldier was wounded.
Recovered from the scene were two M-16A1 automatic rifles and ammunition.
In another operation conducted in the same village a few hours later, government troops successfully neutralized Morsid, another key leader of the Daulah Islamiya, while serving a warrant of arrest against the terrorist.
This developed as the suspect fired an M-16AI automatic rifle and hurled a hand grenade, which fortunately did not explode, against responding troops. Morsid was subsequently killed in the resulting firefight.
Recovered from the scene were an M-16A1 automatic rifle and ammunition, a loaded 9mm pistol, and an unexploded hand grenade.
Meanwhile, PNP chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr. lauded the operatives for the successful operation.
"I congratulate our police personnel and all the operatives for this successful accomplishment and would like also to thank the people in the area who are continuously supporting the PNP. This achievement signifies a strong collaboration between the PNP and the community," he added. (with Lloyd Caliwan/PNA)
