The Philippine National Police (PNP) has placed units across central and western Mindanao on heightened alert following the death of a top leader and bomb expert of the Dawlah Islamiyah-Hassan Group (DI-HG).

Acting PNP chief Police Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. announced Tuesday that police forces are coordinating closely with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to prevent potential retaliatory attacks and ensure public safety in the affected regions.

“Our personnel on the ground maintain a high level of alert and continuously strengthen defensive positions to deter any possible retaliatory attack while ensuring the safety and security of the civilian population, in coordination with the Armed Forces of the Philippines,” Nartatez said.

The slain suspect was identified by the military as Ustadz Mohammad Usman Solaiman, the alleged amir or leader of the DI-HG.

Solaiman was killed during an operation on 8 December in Barangay Satan, Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao del Sur.

Authorities identified Solaiman as an expert bomb maker whose group has been linked to multiple bomb attacks targeting buses across Mindanao.

Nartatez assured the public that the PNP and AFP are fully prepared to secure communities and maintain stability in the region.

He also called on residents to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious individuals or activities by armed groups to authorities.