MIDSAYAP, Cotabato — September 30, 2025
Authorities have captured an elusive gang leader in Lanao del Sur who is accused of funding the Dawlah Islamiya terror group, during a joint police and military operation in Midsayap, Cotabato on Sunday, September 28.
The suspect, identified as Jamal Sadang, alias “Jamal Warrior,” 39, was cornered at Barangay Poblacion 8 around 5:48 p.m. by combined units of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group–Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (CIDG-BAR), Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region, and supporting law enforcement forces.
Sadang, a native of Poblacion, Balabagan, Lanao del Sur, is wanted for murder under a no-bail arrest warrant issued by the Regional Trial Court, 12th Judicial Region, Branch 12 in Malabang on February 24, 2021. He now faces multiple criminal charges, including extortion, motorcycle theft, and large-scale shabu trafficking across several Lanao del Sur towns.
Authorities said Sadang is a key member of the Opaw Criminal Group, led by Abdulgani Mapandi Mawaraw, alias “Opaw.” The group is allegedly behind a series of bombings in Lanao del Sur and is heavily involved in illegal drug trade and gun-running operations.
According to Police Brig. Gen. Jaysen De Guzman, Bangsamoro regional police director, Sadang’s gang has long enjoyed protection from Dawlah Islamiya commanders, who provided him safe havens in exchange for financial support from his illicit earnings.
“His arrest is a major blow not only to organized crime in Lanao del Sur but also to the remnants of Dawlah Islamiya, which benefited from his illegal activities,” De Guzman said.
The high-risk operation was carried out with the support of the 1st Marine Brigade, 4th Special Action Battalion of the PNP-SAF, RIU-15, PIU-PRO12, RID-PROBAR, Midsayap Municipal Police Station, and Cotabato Provincial Police Office, under PRO-12 Director Brig. Gen. Arnold Ardiente.
Authorities emphasized that local officials and traditional Maranao leaders played a crucial role by tipping off the CIDG-BAR about Sadang’s presence in Midsayap, paving the way for his arrest.
Police said Sadang’s constitutional and human rights, including those under the Anti-Torture Act (RA 9745), were read to him upon arrest. He is currently detained at the CIDG-BAR headquarters in Cotabato City for documentation and proper disposition before being presented to the court.
A police photo showed an officer reading one of the multiple arrest warrants to Sadang, who is now locked up as authorities prepare to bring him to trial.