PALIMBANG, Sultan Kudarat — A wanted member and bombmaker of the Dawlah Islamiyah (DI)–Hassan Group was arrested in a successful joint law enforcement operation conducted by government forces on Tuesday evening, October 29, 2025, in Barangay Ligao, Palimbang.
The suspect, identified by authorities as alias “Migi” or “Abunaim,” ranked as Priority Specially Wanted Person (PSRL) No. 7, was apprehended by combined elements of the Police Regional Office 12, Regional Intelligence Division 12, Regional Mobile Force Battalion 12, Special Action Force (SAF), National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA) 12, NICA DVI, and the Palimbang Municipal Police Station.
Police said the operation was carried out by virtue of three standing warrants of arrest issued by the Regional Trial Court Branch 13 in Cotabato City for Multiple Murder, Destructive Arson, and Violation of the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 (Republic Act No. 11479).
During the arrest, government forces recovered a suspected improvised explosive device (IED) or anti-personnel mine from the possession of the suspect. The explosive was secured for documentation and will be turned over to the EOD/K9 Unit for technical examination and proper disposal.
Initial investigation revealed that alias “Migi” is a known bombmaker and active member of the DI-Hassan Group based in Maguindanao. He was formerly affiliated with Ansar Al-Khilafa Philippines (AKP) and served as the second-in-command of the late alias “Tokboy,” AKP’s founding chairman. He had previously engaged government troops in a firefight in Barangay Daliao, Maasim, Sarangani Province.
Following Tokboy’s death, “Migi” reportedly went into hiding after joining the DI-Hassan Group, a faction known for its extremist operations in Central and Southern Mindanao. Intelligence reports indicate that his recent reappearance in the SOCCSKSARGEN Region was part of an effort to reconnect with former comrades and possibly reorganize remnants of the AKP network.
The suspect was informed of his constitutional rights and brought to the Palimbang Municipal Police Station for medical examination, documentation, and turnover to proper authorities.
Police Lieutenant General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., Chief of the Philippine National Police, lauded the PNP-SAF and all participating units for the successful five-hour operation.
“Every captured terrorist is a victory for peace and security. This arrest significantly weakens the operational capacity of the Dawlah Islamiyah network in Mindanao,” Nartatez said.
Police Brigadier General Arnold P. Ardiente, Regional Director of PRO 12, also commended the intelligence-driven operation, emphasizing the importance of inter-agency coordination in neutralizing high-value targets.
“This successful operation demonstrates the effectiveness of collaboration among our law enforcement and intelligence units. PRO 12 remains steadfast in its mission to protect communities from the influence and violence of terrorist groups,” Ardiente said.
Authorities reaffirmed their commitment to intensify joint operations with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and other government agencies to dismantle terrorist networks and ensure the continued safety and stability of Mindanao.