Dawlah commander, 3 men killed

A sub-leader of the Dawlah Islamiyah Hassan Group and three men accompanying him were killed during a manhunt operation in Barangay Tapayan, Sultan Mastura, Maguindanao del Norte, on 16 October, the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) said.

The operation was carried out by the CIDG Cotabato City Field Unit, the Regional Special Operations Team and Regional Intelligence Unit of CIDG Regional Field Unit 15, the PNP Special Action Force, the Armed Forces of the Philippines and local police.

Authorities were serving arrest warrants issued by courts in Cotabato City, Shariff Aguak in Maguindanao del Sur, and Iligan City in Lanao del Norte. The warrants covered alleged offenses including destructive arson, direct assault, multiple frustrated murder, double murder, qualified direct assault with multiple attempted murder, and violations of Republic Act 11479, or the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020.

In a report to CIDG director Maj. Gen. Robert A.A. Morico II, the agency identified the principal accused as a sub-leader of the Dawlah Islamiyah Hassan Group under the Alpha King Group. He was allegedly linked to bombing incidents in Isulan, Sultan Kudarat, as well as killings, arson and other attacks in Maguindanao del Sur. He was listed as the province’s No. 4 most wanted person.

The CIDG said the accused and his three male escorts opened fire as the operating team approached. Police and military personnel returned fire, resulting in an armed encounter that killed all four men.

During clearing operations, authorities recovered an assault rifle, three .45-caliber pistols and an improvised explosive device.

The CIDG commended the joint operating units for the operation and said it would continue efforts to locate wanted persons and fugitives.