BARMM'S No. 1 MWP neutralized in Maguindanao Del Sur clash
The number one most wanted person (MWP) in the Bangsamoro region, and another armed associate were killed during an armed encounter with authorities at Sitio Bliss, Barangay Kapinpilan in the town of Ampatuan, Maguindanao Del Sur on 8 November 2026.
According to the PNP Maguindanao Del Sur Police Provincial Office, the death of Amar Sansawi Usman, also known as Akhie Usman and Marhan, marked a major victory for law enforcement authorities. Usman was listed as the Number One Most Wanted Person in BARMM and the Top 1 Most Wanted Person in Maguindanao del Sur. Also killed in the encounter was an associate identified only as "Syok."
Authorities identified Usman as a member of the ISIS-linked Dawlah Islamiyah-Hassan Group, allegedly involved in a string of serious crimes, including murder, robbery, motorcycle carnapping, gun-for-hire activities, and attacks against government forces across several provinces. He was also tagged as one of the suspects in the 28 March 2026, ambush of Philippine National Police personnel in Shariff Aguak.
The operation, launched at around 5:15am, was spearheaded by the Maguindanao del Sur Police Provincial Office (MDS PPO) under the supervision of PCol Michael John C Mangahis, Provincial Director with Provincial Intelligence Unit (PIU), Shariff Aguak MPS, PMFC, RMFB 14-A, SAF, and the 90IB, PA, in coordination with Ampatuan MPS, RID, RIU 15, and NICA 17, joined the coordinated law enforcement effort aimed at implementing several standing warrants against the fugitive.
Police reports stated that operatives identified themselves and called on the suspects to surrender peacefully. Instead, the suspects allegedly opened fire, prompting a brief armed confrontation. Both wounded individuals were immediately provided first aid by PNP medics and rushed to the Bangsamoro Regional Hospital and Medical Center. Despite medical intervention, both were later declared dead.
Recovered from the scene were an Armscor caliber .45 pistol, spent cartridge cases, and a homemade Uzi-type submachine gun loaded with ammunition.
Usman was facing multiple criminal charges, including: five counts of Murder under CC Nos. SA-1540, SA-1541, SA-1542, SA-1544, and SA-1545, issued by Hon. Annabelle D.P. Piang, Executive Judge, RTC Branch 15, dated 19 May 2026 (No Bail Recommended); three counts of Frustrated Murder under CC Nos. SA-1539, SA-1543, and SA-1546, issued by Hon. Annabelle D.P. Piang, Executive Judge, RTC Branch 15, dated 19 May 2026; robbery with Violence Against or Intimidation of Persons under CC No. SA-1547, issued by Hon. Annabelle D.P. Piang, Executive Judge, RTC Branch 15, dated May 19, 2026; murder under CC No. 26-9190-LA, issued by RTC Branch 20, dated 4 May 2026 (No Bail Recommended); robbery with Homicide under CC No. SA-1377, issued by RTC Branch 15, dated 1 October 2025 (No Bail Recommended); violation of RA 10883 under CC No. SA-1378, issued by RTC Branch 15, dated 1 October 2026; and Frustrated Murder under CC No. 8428-25, issued by RTC Branch 63, dated 2 July 2025.
Authorities continue to process the recovered evidence while conducting follow-up investigations.
"No one is above the law. While its enforcement may seem harsh to those who choose the path of criminality, the law exists to protect innocent lives and uphold justice. We gave every opportunity for peaceful surrender, but we will never waver in carrying out our sworn duty. The Maguindanao del Sur Police Provincial Office will continue to pursue wanted persons, dismantle criminal groups, and deliver justice decisively. Those who think they can evade accountability should know this: the law will find you, and justice will prevail," PCol Mangahas said.