Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters–Bungos Faction (BIFF-BF) chairperson Esmael “Kumander Bungos” Abubakar was neutralized during an implementation of warrants of arrest at Sitio Tambak, Barangay Calsada in the town of Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao del Norte on 5 July 2026.

According to the Police Regional Office of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region, Abubakar is the Top 1 Most Wanted Person at the Regional Level in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. 

The operation was jointly undertaken by the Maguindanao del Sur Police Provincial Office in coordination with the 601st Infantry Brigade and other operating units of the 6th Infantry “Kampilan” Division, Philippine Army, with operational support from the Philippine National Police–Special Action Force and intelligence support from the Regional Intelligence Division of PRO BAR.

The operation aimed to serve multiple warrants of arrest against Abubakar for several criminal offenses, including murder, murder with multiple frustrated murder, qualified direct assault with multiple attempted murder, attempted murder, and destructive arson, as issued by the Regional Trial Court, 12th Judicial Region, Branches 13, 14 and 15, Cotabato City.

Upon reaching the target area, the operating teams secured the area, identified themselves as government law enforcement personnel, and ordered the suspect to surrender peacefully. Instead of complying, Abubakar allegedly drew a caliber .45 pistol and opened fire at the operating troops, prompting them to return fire in the exercise of lawful self-defense, resulting in his neutralization.

Recovered from the crime scene were one chamber-loaded caliber .45 pistol (Para Ordnance) bearing Serial Number 48297, one magazine inserted in the firearm, three live caliber .45 cartridges, and three fired caliber .45 cartridge cases, all of which were turned over for proper forensic examination and documentation.

In the MILF, Abubakar, also known as “Ikay” and “Kumander Bungos,” previously served as vice chairman for Political Affairs of the BIFF under its founder, the late Ameril Umbra Kato. Following the division within the organization, he established the BIFF-Bungos Faction and assumed its leadership in 2015. His group has been operating in several areas of Maguindanao and has been linked to numerous violent attacks against government forces and civilians.