Alleged ISIS-East Asia spox killed in Maguindanao op —military

The alleged spokesperson of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria - East Asia (ISIS-EA) was killed in an operation in Maguindanao on Monday afternoon, the military said Tuesday.

In a statement, the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) identified the fatality as Abdulfatah Omar Alimuden or Abu Huzaifah.

Wetmincom said Abu Huzaifah was also in charge of the financial transactions of the Daulah Islamiyah - Philippines to the ISIS Central.

Joint elements of the 601st Infantry Brigade, 40th Infantry Battalion, and intelligence units launched the special operation at Crossing Salbo, Barangay Poblacion in Datu Saudi Ampatuan.

Westmincom chief Lieutenant General Alfredo Rosario, Jr. lauded the operating troops for the operation and urged them to keep these efforts against rebel groups.

On June 1, the military also conducted an operation in M’lang, Cotabato against members of Daulah Islamiyah who are believed to be responsible for the recent bombings in Mindanao.

One member was killed and another was arrested, according to the military.

On May 26, a tricycle driver was hurt in an explosion inside a bus in Koronadal City, South Cotabato. Another explosion at a vacant lot was reported in Tacurong City, Sultan Kudarat, on the same day.

On May 30, explosions also hit a parking lot near a fast-food chain and a motor pool of a bus company in Isabela City, Basilan.  —Joviland Rita/KBK, GMA News