BY NONOY E LACSON
ZAMBOANGA CITY – A Daulah Islamiyah terrorist group sub-leader was killed Wednesday by the government forces inside a motel in Esperanza town, Sultan Kudarat.
Armed Force of the Philippines-Western Mindanao Command (AFP-WestMinCom) commander Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, Jr. identified the slain Daulah Islamiyah sub-leader as Jazzer Nilong, a.k.a. Khalid DI Nilong.
Police and military authorities were conducting a law enforcement operation when they chanced upon Nilong at the Migyz Inn at Purok Hiligaynon, Barangay Saliao in Esperanza, Sultan Kudarat at about 12:35 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 5.
According to Vinluan, Nilong sensed the presence of the government forces who were conducting surveillance operation.
He immediately drew his gun and fired shots at the operatives, forcing the soldiers to retaliate.
“The exchange of fire lasted for about two minutes which resulted in the instantaneous death of Nilong,” he added.
Brig. Gen. Roberto Capulong, commander of the 602nd Infantry Brigade, said Nilong has an existing warrant of arrest for frustrated murder issued by Judge Dennis Velasco of Regional Trial Court Branch 23 in General Santos City.
“Nilong was also involved in the General Santos bombing and assassination of Police Cpt. Herman Gabat,” Capulong said.
Seized from Nilong were one .45-caliber pistol with one magazine and four of ammunition, a 60mm mortar, one rifle grenade with bull trap, electric blasting cap, battery, two improvised non-electric blasting cap, four fired cartridge case of 9mm, and two heat-sealed sachets containing suspected shabu.
The troops immediately coordinated with the Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) and Explosive Ordnance Division (EOD) teams for investigation and proper handling of the recovered explosives.
“We are grateful for no one from our side was hurt during the operation,” Maj. Gen. Juvymax Uy, Joint Task Force (JTF) Central commander, said.
“There will be no let-up in our campaign against terrorism and lawlessness in our area of operation. It is either they will lay down their arms and surrender peacefully or they will risk their lives fighting against our valiant troops,” Uy added.
