Captain Alberto Caber of the Army’s First Infantry Division said seven suspected JI personalities, including Indonesian national Ustadz Sanusi or Ishak, were set to be arrested in a joint police and military operation.
During the operation, Ishak sustained a gunshot wound and was rushed to the Amai Pakpak Hospital in Marawi City in Lanao del Sur where he died later.
The operation also left a police of the Special Action Force wounded when he fell from a building during a short pursuit. Policemen found a hand grenade and M16 rifle from the suspect, Caber said.
A warrant of arrest was issued against Ishak by the 11th Judicial Region RTC Judge Oscar P. Noel Jr. in Mansion, Saranggani province.
First Infantry Division Commander Major General Ricardo Rainier Cruz ordered the ground troops to continue the pursuit operations.