 [MindaNews] An alleged key leader of an Islamic State-aligned group was killed in a clash with Philippine security forces early on the morning of October 22 in Sarangani province.
Police spokesman Eliseo Rasco said that Bassir Sahak was killed in a clash with a joint police and military team in Sitio Lebe, Barangay Daliao, Maasim town. Sahak was the leader of the Special Operations Group of the Islamic State-inspired Ansar Al-Khilafa Philippines (AKP), Rasco said in a statement. Sahak was also involved in the September 16 bombing at Barangay Apopong here that injured eight people, the official added.
The suspect was charged with multiple frustrated murder in connection with the latest blast to rock General Santos City.
Police official Adrin Gonzales said Sahak and his father, Kupang Sahak, fired at the operating team out to arrest them. The elder man managed to escape and is the subject of a manhunt operation.
Authorities recovered from the encounter site an M-16 rifle, ammunition and bomb making components, the official said.
Citing intelligence information, Gonzales said the slain suspect managed the finances of the AKP, including the procurement of firearms and ammunition. Sahak sourced funding from their contact in the Middle East, he said.
The AKP is one of the groups in Mindanao that had pledged allegiance to the Islamic State, according to the military.
The slain Sahak also had direct contact with the Abu Sayyaf in Sulu and the Toraife faction of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters in Maguindanao, the police official said. 
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