South Cotabato, on 31 January 2022 a five-minute encounter with terrorist left Daulah Islamiya (DI) members ZYPOL NILONG AND SALAHUDIN USMAN dead. The two belonged to the group of Zaiden Jade Nilong, alias Aliboy of the DI Maguid group.
LT. COL. RAYMOND RAPI, commanding officer of 1st Scout Ranger Battalion, said government troops recovered two M16 rifles from the slain terrorist. Their companions hurriedly fled, leaving behind the slain terrorist group members.
“Through the intensified military operations conducted by the JTFC troops, coupled with the cooperation of the local government units and the community, the series of successes of these operations indicate that the DI is nearing its end,” said Brig. Gen. Pedro Balisi Jr., 1st Mechanized Brigade commander, in a statement.
Despite the military’s advantage over terrorist groups, the Army remains open to the peaceful surrender of DI members.
“As much as possible, we don’t want to take away the lives of these people for they have families as well. Surrender now as the government will help you build and start your lives peacefully,” Uy said.