Dawlah Islamiyah member killed in Maguindanao del Sur clash

COTABATO CITY – Another member of the Islamic State-aligned Dawlah Islamiyah-Hassan Group (DI-HG) was killed, and two others were wounded in a clash with military and police forces during a law enforcement operation in Barangay Kuloy, Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao del Sur, on Thursday morning.

Lt. Col. Loqui Marco, commanding officer of the 90th Infantry Battalion (IB), said the joint operation targeted Tahir Salik, alias “Joross Salik” or “Zubair,” and Samin Tagal, alias “Samin,” both alleged members of the DI-Hassan Group who are facing criminal charges for murder, frustrated murder, and robbery.

Authorities issued arrest warrants against them in connection with these cases.

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READ: Most wanted Dawlah Islamiyah member slain in Maguindanao del Sur

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The suspects allegedly resisted arrest, triggering a 15-minute gunfight that killed Salik. Two of his alleged companions were wounded and brought to a hospital for treatment.

On Nov. 8, a law enforcement operation in Barangay Kapinpilan, Ampatuan, Maguindanao del Sur resulted in the death of another DI-Hassan Group member, Amar Sansawi Usman, alias “Amar Usman” or “Akhie Usman,” who was linked to the ambush that killed five police officers in Barangay Poblacion, Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao del Sur on March 28, 2026.

In Thursday’s operation, Brig. Gen. Gremel Brual, 601st Infantry Brigade (IB) commander, said government forces also recovered two M16 rifles, a .45-caliber pistol, magazines, and ammunition at the scene.

Brual underscored the military’s continued commitment to supporting the police in law enforcement operations to prevent criminal activities and maintain peace and security in communities.

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Maj. Gen. Edgar Catu, commander of the 6th Infantry Division and Joint Task Force Central, commended the military and police units and personnel involved in the operation for enforcing the law.

READ: 5 Dawlah Islamiyah members killed in Cotabato operation

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The operation involved the 601st Infantry Brigade, 90IB, 34IB, the Shariff Aguak Municipal Police Station, and the PNP Special Action Force (SAF).

He emphasized that the military would continue to support the police in enforcing the law and bringing individuals involved in criminal activities to justice, while ensuring public safety.

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Catu said unity and active cooperation of all sectors are essential to maintaining safe, peaceful communities./coa