(Eagle News) — An Abu Sayyaf bombmaker was killed in a police operation in Basilan on Saturday, June 5, the Philippine National Police said.
According to the PNP, Aroy Ittot alias Oroy–who had supposedly close ties with the late Abu Sayyaf Group sub leader Furuji Indama—was killed after authorities retaliated when he opened fire at them with an M-16 rifle.
The joint military and police team were serving an arrest warrant for murder against him at that time.
The warrant had been issued by Presiding Judge Leo Jay Principe, of the Regional Trial Court, 9th Judicial Region, Branch 1, Isabela City.
The PNP said recovered from the encounter site were the M16 rifle, one M14 rifle, four M16 rifle magazines, five M14 magazines, four grenade rifles M76, among others.
The PNP said Ittot was also involved in a roadside bombing in Tuburan, Basilan sometime in 2018 targeting the convoy of then-Mayor Durie Kalahal of Tuburan.
He was also reportedly implicated in the “harassment” of the group of Mayor Ibrahim Ballaho of Mohammad Ajul as they were conducting community service, also in Tuburan.
According to PNP Chief Guillermo Eleazar, the suspect also has links with the local Abu Sayyaf bombers who were also involved in the improvised explosive device attack in Barangay Colonia, Lamitan City, Basilan and several IED roadside bombings in the province.
“The fight against terrorism, insurgency, and transnational crimes is becoming more complex but the PNP stays in control to stamp out this challenge which is one of the operational thrusts under the PNP’s Intensified Cleanliness Policy,” Eleazar said.
“Rest assured that we remain steadfast in enhancing our operational capability to keep our citizens safe from crime and terrorism,” he added.
