Malaysian’s death confirms IS presence

ZAMBOANGA CITY—The military on Sunday confirmed the death of a Malaysian jihadist in the recent Basilan encounters, virtually acknowledging the presence of the Islamic State (IS) in southern Philippines.

Maj. Filemon Tan Jr., Western Mindanao Command spokesperson, told the Inquirer 26 Abu Sayyaf terrorists, including Malaysian jihadist Mohammad Najib Hussein, alias Abu Anas, were killed in continuing operations in Basilan.

The military operation in Barangay Macalang, Al Barka town, began on Dec. 15. It has left three government troopers—Capt. Vincent Cordero, commanding officer of 8th Scout Ranger Co.; Pfc. Marctan Tirambulo of 1st Scout Ranger Co., and Staff Sgt. Jesus Tuting of the Marines Special Operations Group—dead.

At least 26 other soldiers, including two junior officers, have been wounded in the fighting.

Tan said different sources counted 26 terrorists killed and 16 others wounded in the clashes.

Col. Rolando Bautista, commander of the 104th Army Brigade, told the Inquirer the death of Hussein was confirmed by different sources.

“Despite these reports, we continue to make validation so we can recover the body as proof,” Bautista said.

Hussein is a 38-year-old Malaysian shopkeeper-turned-bomb maker associated with IS. He is a key figure in IS’s Black Flag cell of Universiti Malaya professor Dr. Mahmud Ahmad, alias Abu Handzalah, who has been hiding with the Abu Sayyaf in southern Philippines.

Hussein reportedly owned a photo and stationary store in Universiti Malaya, Petaling Jaya, but in July last year he fled Malaysia with Mahmud and several other IS terror suspects to the Philippines.