BARMM’s No. 1 most wanted slain

The number one most wanted person in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) and an armed associate were killed during an encounter with authorities in Sitio Bliss, Barangay Kapinpilan, Ampatuan, Maguindanao del Sur, on 8 November.

The Maguindanao del Sur Police Provincial Office identified the slain suspect as Amar Sansawi Usman, also known as Akhie Usman and Marhan, who was listed as the region’s No. 1 most wanted person and the top fugitive in Maguindanao del Sur. His associate, identified only as “Syok,” was also killed.

Authorities identified Usman as a member of the ISIS-linked Dawlah Islamiyah-Hassan Group, allegedly involved in several serious crimes, including murder, robbery, motorcycle carnapping, gun-for-hire activities, and attacks against government forces across several provinces.

He was also among the suspects in the 28 March ambush of Philippine National Police personnel in Shariff Aguak.

The operation began at around 5:15 a.m. and was led by the Maguindanao del Sur Police Provincial Office under the supervision of Provincial Director Col. Michael John C. Mangahis.

It involved personnel from the Provincial Intelligence Unit, Shariff Aguak Municipal Police Station, Provincial Mobile Force Company, Regional Mobile Force Battalion 14-A, Special Action Force and the Army’s 90th Infantry Battalion.

They were joined by personnel from the Ampatuan Municipal Police Station, Regional Intelligence Division, Regional Intelligence Unit 15, and National Intelligence Coordinating Agency 17 in a coordinated operation to serve several standing warrants against Usman.

Police reports said operatives identified themselves and called on the suspects to surrender peacefully. The suspects allegedly opened fire instead, triggering a brief exchange of gunfire.

Both suspects sustained injuries and were immediately given first aid by PNP medics before being rushed to the Bangsamoro Regional Hospital and Medical Center. Despite medical intervention, both were later declared dead.

Recovered at 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 Criminal Case Nos. SA-1540, SA-1541, SA-1542, SA-1544 and SA-1545, issued by the Regional Trial Court Branch 15 on 19 May 2026, with no bail recommended.

Authorities are continuing to process the recovered evidence and conduct 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,” Mangahis said.