MANILA, Philippines - Government troops reportedly killed in Zamboanga City yesterday an Abu Sayyaf bomb expert and one of the trusted aides of Isnilon Hapilon, leader of the Islamic State (IS)-inspired group that attacked Marawi City last May 23.
Sketchy reports reaching Brig. Gen. Resituto Padilla, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesman, identified the slain Abu Sayyaf member as Hamsi Amajad Marani.
Elements of the Joint Task Force (JTF) Zamboanga gunned down Hasmi at Purok 4, Sitio Niyog-Niyog, Barangay Muti in Zamboanga City yesterday morning.
“Joint elements of JTF Zamboanga consisting of military and police elements successfully neutralized Hamsi, an Abu Sayyaf bomb expert under Isnilon Hapilon,” said Padilla, citing a military report.
Hapilon, reportedly the IS-designated emir in Southeast Asia, is currently the subject of military operations in Marawi City for leading the Maute group terrorists that attacked the Muslim dominated city.
While there has been no confirmation of his whereabouts, the military believes that Hapilon is still holed up with a handful of followers in Marawi City.
The military and police are still investigating why Hamsi moved to Zamboanga.