CAMP SIONGCO, Awang, DOS, Maguindanao del Norte — Government troops captured an alleged member of the Dawlah Islamiya–Hassan Group who was implicated in the brutal killing of an Indigenous leader during a dawn operation in Sitio Pangayawan, Barangay Tukanalugong, Datu Abdullah Sangki, Maguindanao del Sur, early Friday, October 10.
The suspect, identified as alias Tagal, was arrested by virtue of a warrant of arrest issued by the local court. He is said to be an active member of the Dawlah Islamiya–Hassan Group, a local terrorist faction linked to violent incidents in Central Mindanao.
The 90th Infantry Battalion, led by Lt. Col. Loqui O. Marco, carried out the operation with support from the 65th Infantry Battalion and the 601st Infantry Brigade.
According to Brigadier General Edgar Catu, Commander of the 601st Infantry Brigade, soldiers recovered from the suspect a caliber .45 pistol with four rounds of ammunition and a cellphone allegedly used in the group’s illegal activities.
“The arrest of alias Tagal proves that our troops will not stop pursuing those who sow fear and violence in our communities,” Brig. Gen. Catu stated.
Authorities said Tagal was involved in the gruesome murder of an Indigenous leader in Datu Hoffer, Maguindanao del Sur—an act previously condemned by the leadership of the 6th Infantry Division.
The military has turned over the suspect and the recovered items to the Philippine National Police (PNP) for proper investigation and the filing of appropriate charges.
Major General Donald M. Gumiran, Commander of the 6th Infantry (Kampilan) Division and Joint Task Force Central, denounced the killing, calling it “a wound in the Filipino spirit.”
“The killing of our Indigenous brother is a wound in our humanity as Filipinos. We cannot allow fear and violence to prevail. The arrest of alias Tagal is proof that we continue to seek justice and hold the perpetrators accountable,” said Maj. Gen. Gumiran.
He reaffirmed the military’s commitment to work with communities in protecting the rights and dignity of Indigenous Peoples.
“As commander of the 6ID, we stand with our Indigenous brothers and sisters in building peaceful and just communities — not only for peace but also for the dignity and right of every Indigenous person to live freely and safely in their ancestral land,” he added.
Military operations continue against other remaining suspects and Dawlah Islamiya members in Maguindanao del Sur and nearby provinces as authorities intensify efforts to curb terrorist activities and bring justice to victims of violence.