CAMP NAVARRO, Calarian, Zamboanga City- A Daulah Islamiyah sub-leader was neutralized in a “high leveled priority” operations against terrorists by government forces in Sultan Kudarat on Wednesday, November 4, 2020.
Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) Commander Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, Jr. said that at 12:35 in the afternoon, combined elements of the 7th Infantry Battalion, Sultan Kudarat Provincial Police Office, Polomolok and Esperanza Municipal Police Stations, the 43rd Special Action Company of the PNP Special Action Force, and the intelligence operatives conducted support to law enforcement operation (SLEO) at Migyz Inn, Purok Hiligaynon, Barangay Saliao, in the town of Esperanza that resulted in the neutralization of Jazzer Nilong, a.k.a. Khalid DI Nilong, sub-leader of Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) backed terror group Daulah Islamiyah.
“The target sensed the presence of the government forces who were conducting surveillance operation. He immediately drew his gun and fired upon the operatives and so they were forced to retaliate,” Vinluan said.
“The exchange of fire lasted for about two minutes which resulted in the instantaneous death of Nilong,” he added.
Vinluan also noted that Jazzer Nilong has an existing warrant of arrest for the crime of frustrated murder issued by Judge Dennis Velasco, Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 23 in General Santos City.
“The subject was involved in the GenSan bombing and assassination of Police Cpt. Herman Gabat,” he stressed.
Seized from Nilong’s possession were one Cal. 45 Pistol Norinco with one magazine and four of ammunition, one-piece 60mm unfused mortar, one rifle grenade with bull trap, electric blasting cap, battery, improvised thrown ammunition, two improvised non-electric blasting cap, four fired cartridge case of cal. 9mm, and two heat-sealed sachet containing a white crystalline substance believed to be shabu.
“We are grateful for no one from our side was hurt during the operation,” said Maj. Gen. Juvymax Uy, the Joint Task Force (JTF) Central Commander.
“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.