By MARTIN SADONGDONG
A SUSPECTED member of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters allegedly involved in the twin bomb attacks in Isulan, Sultan Kudarat recently was gunned down by military forces in Maguindanao early yesterday morning.
The suspect, identified as Norodin Taib, was killed during the conduct of support to law enforcement operations of the Army 601st Infantry Brigade in Sitio Lab, Barangay Kuloy, Shariff Aguak.
Brig. Gen. Diosdado Carreon, Army 601st Brigade commander, said troops were moving to the house of the suspect at around 2 a.m. when at least five individuals, including Taib, suddenly ran away.
Carreon said Taib threw a home-made hand grenade to the troops but it did not explode. In retaliation, the military shot and killed him.
The Army 601st Brigade commander said the operation was launched after concerned civilians reported the presence of the suspects in the area.
Carreon added that the slain terror suspect was a known bomber linked to the BIFF.
Taib was included in the list of suspects behind the twin bomb attacks in Isulan last Aug. 28 and Sept. 2 that killed five persons and wounded 50 others.
Joint Task Force Sulu commander Maj. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana commended the Army 601st Brigade for the neutralization of the suspect.
“We will continue to conduct military operations with the assistance of the Philippine National Police, the local government, and the civilians to stop them from doing their terroristic activities,” Sobejana said.
A manhunt operation is underway to identify and locate the suspected cohorts of Taib.
