AN ALLEGED sub-leader of the Daulah Islamiyah group was killed during a law enforcement operation in Barangay Guimba, Marawi City on April 12, 2021, the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said.

Usop Nasif, also known as Abu Asraf, was killed in the operation conducted by combined elements of the 103rd Infantry Brigade and Lanao police, according to Lieutenant General Corleto Vinluan Jr., Westmincom commander.

Seven policemen, one soldier and Nasif’s wife, Almaira Panduma, were wounded in the operation.

Vinluan said Nasif’s group fired at the troops, resulting in a 30-minute firefight.

Nasif was rushed to Amai Pakpak Medical Center, where he was declared dead.

Brig. Gen. Jose Maria Cuerpo II, commander of the 103rd Infantry Brigade, said Nasif was the primary suspect in the killing of three Army personnel, namely, Corporal Albert Saura, Corporal Bryan Binayug, and Private 1st Class Albert Soriano, on January 14, 2021.

He was also implicated in the killing of civilians who failed to give in to their extortion demands.

Troops were pursuing 10 cohorts of Nasif. (Third Anne Peralta-Malonzo / SunStar Philippines)