A wanted sub-leader of the Dawlah Islamiya Hassan Group and his three escorts were killed in an armed encounter with government forces during a manhunt operation in Barangay Tapayan, Sultan Mastura, Maguindanao del Norte, on October 16, 2026, the Philippine National Police (PNP) reported.
According to the PNP, the suspect was ranked as the No. 4 Provincial Level Most Wanted Person in Maguindanao del Sur and was allegedly linked to bombing incidents in Isulan, Sultan Kudarat, as well as killings, arson, and other violent activities in Maguindanao del Sur.
Authorities identified him as a sub-leader of the Dawlah Islamiya Hassan Group operating under the Alpha King Group.
The operation was launched to serve multiple arrest warrants issued by courts in Cotabato City, Shariff Aguak, and Iligan City in 2021 and 2023.
The warrants involved charges of destructive arson, direct assault, multiple frustrated murder, double murder, qualified direct assault with multiple attempted murder, and violations of Republic Act No. 11479, or the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020.
Police said the suspect and his three male escorts allegedly opened fire as law enforcement personnel approached, prompting the operating team to return fire.
All four men were killed in the ensuing gunfight.
During clearing operations, authorities recovered an assault rifle, three .45-caliber pistols, and an improvised explosive device (IED).
The joint operation involved personnel from the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), Regional Intelligence Unit 15, PNP Special Action Force, Armed Forces of the Philippines, and local police units.
PNP Chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. reaffirmed the police force’s commitment to pursuing individuals facing serious criminal charges and preventing further violence.
“The PNP will remain relentless in pursuing terrorists who sow fear, threaten innocent lives, and undermine peace and security in our communities. We will take decisive action within the bounds of the law to prevent them from carrying out further violence,” Nartatez said.
“Hindi natin hahayaang manaig ang takot at karahasan. Titiyakin nating mananagot sa batas ang mga nagbabanta sa kaligtasan ng ating mga kababayan,” he added.
The PNP said the operation was part of its intensified intelligence-led campaign against terrorism and other security threats under its Focused Agenda, particularly Enhanced Managing Police Operations.
The agency also reiterated its commitment to maintaining public safety and enforcing the law under the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
