Photo courtesy of PNP
Police arrested a former Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters bomber linked to the 2015 Mamasapano clash and other deadly attacks during an operation in Maguindanao del Sur.
The suspect was captured on July 21 in Barangay Tukanalipao, Mamasapano, during a joint operation by police, military and Special Action Force units.
He was listed as the second most wanted person in the Bangsamoro region and the top fugitive in Maguindanao del Sur, according to the Philippine National Police.
Police records linked him to the Mamasapano encounter that killed 44 SAF commandos and to the March 28, 2026 ambush of police personnel in Shariff Aguak.
He was arrested under several warrants covering murder, frustrated murder, attempted murder, robbery and double murder with multiple frustrated murder, including one case with no bail recommended.
Authorities said the suspect had received explosives training from Malaysian militant Zulkifli bin Hir, also known as Marwan, and another senior extremist operative.
He was also identified as a senior member and adviser of the Panenekelan Criminal Gang, with reported ties to the Dawlah Islamiyah-Hassan Group and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front’s 128th Base Command.
The suspect underwent a medical examination before being detained at the Mamasapano police station pending his turnover to the court that issued the warrants.
