ZAMBOANGA CITY – Government troops overran the defensive camp of rogue Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) leader Habier Malik in the mountains of Kalinggalang Kaluang, Sulu following intense fighting Friday, officials said here.
Malik, who is also considered a religious leader and is said to command more than 1,000 armed men and civilians, is on the run after escaping the military offensive at Mt. Pukan in the borders of Barangays Pangdan-pangdan and Kambing.
Maj. Gen. Nelson Allaga, Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) chief, confirmed that a hot pursuit operation has been launched against Malik and his group.
“The troops overran the camp of Malik and pursuit operations are ongoing,” Allaga said.
The military launched the operation when they located the rebel camp put up by Malik after fleeing from Bitan-ag in the nearby town of Panamao.
Maj. Gen Ruben Rafael of Task Force Comet had confirmed that a composite team of Scout Rangers and Marine forces are running after the group.
He said it was not confirmed if Malik was wounded but two of his close-in escorts were among the rebel casualties.
“The rebels have suffered four killed, including a sub-commander and a nephew of Malik, based on body counts, intelligence reports and civilian accounts,” said Rafael.
At least seven other rebels were wounded in the battle, according to sources.
The troops recovered high-powered firearms from the fallen escorts of Malik, including one M16 and a Galil rifle with hundreds of ammunition rounds.
At least five Marines were killed while eight others were wounded during the encounter that started at 5 a.m. and lasted for six hours.
The remains of the slain Marines and wounded were airlifted to the Westmincom headquarters.
Malik became a household name after he took hostage Maj. Gen Mohammad Ben Dolorfino, then Armed Forces National Capital Region Defense Command chief; Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace Process Undersecretary Ramon Santos, and 18 of their staff and security men in February this year.
The group was held by Malik as a concession, but was released 24 hours later after the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) assured that the tripartite meeting that had been stalled on several occasions would push through.
Back then, there were rumors that Malacañang gave a “token” amount for the release, but Palace officials were firm in their statement that no ransom was paid.
Malik has a standing warrant for attacking a military camp in Barangay Seit in Panamao, Sulu last year.