Vice President Leni Robredo lauded the military after government troops killed the leader of terrorist group Dawlah Islamiya Philippines in an operation in Talayan, Maguindanao on Friday.
Robredo on Saturday said the efficient and determined action of the 6th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army brought Hassan to justice.
“We are grateful for the bravery of the Army, which ensured that Hassan, the instigator of the bombings in Maguindanao, North Cotabato, and Sultan Kudarat, was held accountable,” Robredo said in a statement in Filipino.
In her statement, Robredo said she joins the Filipino people in paying tribute to the noble and professionalism of the Philippine Army.
Major General Juvymax Uy, commander of Army’s 6th Infantry Division, told a news conference Salahuddin Hassan was killed in Barangay Damablac Friday.
“Salahuddin Hassan, also known as Orak, the overall emir of Dawlah Islamiya Philippines and most wanted Dawlah Islamiya terrorist, was neutralized by government forces,” he said.
The military said Hassan’s wife, Jehana Mimbida, allegedly the group’s finance officer, was also killed in the operation.
Recovered from the two were war materials including a caliber 223-5.56 MOD R4, a bandoleer, two cellular phones, and six long magazines for R4 ammunition.
In a statement, the 6ID said concerned residents reported the presence of suspicious armed individuals during the military’s manhunt operations.