ZAMBOANGA CITY: A high-ranking Philippine Army official has expressed hope for a cessation of violence in southern Philippines even as he lauded the neutralization of 12 pro-IS fighters, including its elusive leader, during a recent encounter with government soldiers.

According to Maj. Gen. Alex Rillera, commander of the 6th Infantry Division and Joint Task Force Central, the government soldiers gained significant confidence in their campaign versus terrorists in southern Philippines following the killing of 12 IS fighters, including its leader, BIFF chieftain Mohiden Animbang alias Kagui Karialan, and his brother Saga Animbang, BIFF operations chief.