MILF leader in Yusoph son abduction killed

A leader of the secessionist group Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) allegedly involved in the kidnapping of an election official’s son was killed in a firefight in Lanao del Sur on Wednesday, the military said. MILF leader Dimaporo Masacal alias “Delta Force" was killed in an encounter between government troops and the group believed to have abducted Nuralden Yusoph, son of election commissioner Elias Yusoph, in Masiu town, Lanao del Sur at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, Brig. Gen. Jose Mabanta, Armed Forces spokesperson, said in a text message. The encounter was the result of pursuit operations conducted by the military and the police after the younger Yusoph’s kidnappers reportedly ambushed government troops in Lanao del Sur on Tuesday, which left a soldier dead and five others hurt. Nuralden was abducted late last month by unidentified men while he was praying inside a mosque in Marawi City, Lanao del Sur. (See: Poll official's son abducted by men seeking to nullify votes) The kidnappers reportedly wanted the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to nullify votes in four towns in Lanao del Sur that were cast in the June 3 special elections held in seven municipalities of the province. A government-formed crisis management team has been negotiating for Nuralden’s release since last month. The government has maintained a “no-ransom" policy in dealing with the abduction. (See: Dureza: Talks ongoing for Yusoph son’s release) Commissioner Yusoph, for his part, on Tuesday appealed to the government of President Benigno Aquino III to prioritize the rescue of his son, even suggesting that martial law be imposed on Lanao del Sur to hasten efforts to save Nuralden. (See: Comelec exec Yusoph wants martial law in Lanao Sur for son’s rescue) —Andreo C. Calonzo/JV, GMANews.TV