Shariff Aguak:Maguindanao Joint police and military forces successfully neutralized a member of the Dawlah Islamiyah - Hassan Group (DI-HG) during a pre-dawn operation in Barangay Kuloy, Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao del Sur. The operation, which took place on Thursday, also resulted in two other DI-HG members being wounded.
According to Philippines News Agency, the operation targeted Tahir Salik, also known as Joross Salik, and Samin Tagal, alias Samin. Both individuals are members of the DI-HG and are facing multiple criminal charges, including murder, frustrated murder, and robbery, with warrants of arrest issued against them.
The operation, led by Lt. Col. Loqui O. Marco of the Army's 90th Infantry Battalion, involved personnel from the 601st Infantry Brigade, the 34IB Infantry, the Shariff Aguak Municipal Police Station, and the Philippine National Police Special Action Force. It began around 6 a.m. in Sitio Taligba, Barangay Kuloy, aiming to serve arrest warrants. However, the operation escalated into a gunfight when the suspects opened fire on the approaching forces.
After a 15-minute exchange, Salik was killed, and two others were wounded and are currently receiving medical treatment. The government forces recovered two M16 rifles, a .45-caliber pistol, and various ammunition from the site.
Brig. Gen. Gremel Brual, commander of the 601Bde, emphasized the military's ongoing commitment to supporting the police in law enforcement to prevent crime and maintain community security. He also noted the military's openness to armed individuals or groups willing to surrender and cease illegal activities.
Maj. Gen. Edgar L. Catu, commander of the Army's 6th Infantry Division and Joint Task Force Central, praised the efforts of all involved in the operation and reiterated the military's support for law enforcement and public safety.
