The Armed Forces of the Philippines commends the exceptional dedication of the Army Scout Rangers from 103rd Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, Philippine Army, for their successful counterterrorism operation in Barangay Tapurog, Piagapo, Lanao del Sur, on January 25 and 26, 2024.
This operation resulted in the neutralization of 9 members of the Daulah Islamiyah-Lanao and the capture of nine high-powered firearms and two Improvised Explosive Device (IED), according to AFP chief of staff General Romeo Brawner Jr..
Based on a military report, at least nine suspected members of the terrorist organization Dawlah Islamiyah who were allegedly behind the December 3, 2023 bombing during a Catholic Mass in Marawi, were killed during two days of fierce fighting in Lanao del Sur.
In his statement released this weekend , Gen Brawner Jr. confirmed the incident, adding that military troops also recovered nine high-powered firearms and two improvised explosive devices. The military said they had also retrieved two-way radio equipment and smartphones near the bodies of the killed suspects.
“The precision and unwavering dedication exhibited in this operation, particularly in targeting the perpetrators of the Mindanao State University bombing on December 3, 2023, deliver swift and decisive justice for the victims of the despicable attack,” Brawner added
At least five Scout Rangers were wounded in the clashes with the group led by Nasser Daud, according to the military.
A report from the Army’s 1st Infantry Division identified two of those killed as Khadafi and Arsani Membesa, suspects in the bombing that killed four people and injured several others during the Mass at the Mindanao State University (MSU) gymnasium in Marawi.
Khadafi was referred to as “Engineer” and used the aliases Kadi and Akoya, while Arsani Membesa used the aliases Khatab, Hatab, and Lapitos. The two men were caught in the MSU’s CCTV footage shortly before the powerful explosion ripped through the MSU gym during the Mass last month.
This operation sets a clear precedent: the AFP will not tolerate those who endanger the lives and well-being of our people. The remaining few will face our full force and unshakeable resolve in bringing every single responsible individual to account, Gen. Brawner stressed.
