3 Dawlah Islamiya Maute members killed, 3 nabbed in Lanao del Sur manhunt

Lumbayanague, Lanao del Sur – Three suspected members of the Dawlah Islamiya Maute Group (DI-MG) were killed while three more were arrested after the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) conducted manhunt operations here on 9 August 2025.

According to CIDG, the CIDG Bangsamoro Autonomous Region Field Unit (CIDG BAR RFU) together with CIDG Cotabato City Field Unit;  other PNP units; and 103rd Infantry Battalion and 5th Infantry Division, Philippine Army, AFP took part in the implementation of arrest warrants against these high profile fugitives.

During the implementation of the warrants of arrests, three of the suspects identified as Anwar Rahman, Abdullah and Nahara opened fire at the arresting officers, prompting the authorities to retaliate.

The three suspects sustained gunshot wounds and were rushed to the Tamparan Hospital in Tamparan, Lanao Del Sur. Attending physicians declared the three dead on arrival at the said medical facility.

Meanwhile, three other members of the DI-MG were arrested and identified as Abu Zacaria, Al Wala, and Asnawi.

The six fugitives are subjects of Warrants of Arrest for the crimes of Murder and Homicide, all issued by Regional Trial Court, Branch 8, Marawi, Lanao Del Sur on October 17, 2023.

These alleged members of the DI-MG are listed in the AFP Periodic Status Report (PSR) 2023.

During the clearing operations, the operating teams discovered and seized the following pieces of evidence from the possessions and control of the six accused.

These include an M4A1 Colt caliber 5.56mm rifle, a caliber 45 pistol,  a hand grenade, a rocket propelled grenade (RPG), a homemade M79 grenade launcher, 14 pieces IED blasting caps,  two pieces black  ISIS flags, a bolt for M16 A1 rifle, assorted magazines, rounds of assorted live ammunition, and fired cartridge cases.

Amerol Usman, the alleged Amir or leader of the DI Maute Group-ISIS, and other subjects of the arrest warrant  took advantage of the firefight and managed to evade arrest.

Cpl Johnson Francisco Zorca, Philippine Army troop sustained gunshot wound  in the left knee  during the armed encounter, he was rushed Tamparan Hospital, Tamparan, Lanao Del Sur for medical treatment and transferred to Amai Pakpak Medical Center, Marawi, Lanao del Sur, he is now  in stable condition.