SHARIFF AGUAK, Maguindanao del Sur — The Armed Forces of the Philippines scored a major victory against local terrorism after the country’s top Dawlah Islamiyah–Hassan Group (DI-HG) leader and chief bomb maker, Ustads Mohammad Usman Solaiman, was killed in a targeted military operation in Barangay Satan on December 7, 2025.
Brigadier General Edgar L. Catu, Commander of the 601st Unifier Brigade, confirmed the identity of the slain terrorist, describing Solaiman as the recognized Amir of the DI-HG. Solaiman is the brother of the late Ustadz Kamaro Usman—also a DI-HG member—who was neutralized in March 2020 alongside BIFF–Karialan Faction commander Kumander Badi.
Solaiman, a seasoned bomb maker and nephew of the notorious terrorist Basit Usman, had long been a priority target for law enforcement. Basit Usman was a feared bomb expert with established connections to the Abu Sayyaf and Jemaah Islamiya.
Authorities also identified Solaiman and his close associate, Norodin Hassan alias Andot, the DI-HG Amir for Military Affairs, as among the last senior aides of their former leader Abu Azim, who was killed in Mamasapano in December 2021.
The Solaiman-led group has been implicated in numerous violent attacks across Mindanao, including:
- The April 24, 2022 Rural Bus bombing in Parang, Maguindanao
- The May 26, 2022 twin bombings on Yellow Bus Line units in Koronadal City and Tacurong City
- The November 6, 2022 bus bombing in Brgy. New Isabela, Tacurong
- The April 17, 2023 Husky Bus explosion at the Isulan Integrated Terminal
- The ambush of soldiers in Brgy. Tuayan, Datu Hoffer Ampatuan
- The brutal killing of three goat traders from Batangas
Despite the successful neutralization of Solaiman, the military continues to pursue remaining DI-HG members still operating in the region.
Brig. Gen. Catu credited the operation’s success to timely information provided by concerned residents.
“Ang kooperasyon ng taumbayan ang naging daan upang matukoy ang galaw at lokasyon ng grupo. Dahil dito ay matagumpay na naisagawa ang operasyon laban sa pinuno ng Dawlah Islamiya,” he said.
Major General Jose Vladimir R. Cagara, Commander of the 6th Infantry (Kampilan) Division and Joint Task Force Central, praised the swift action of the troops and the unwavering support of the public.
“This success proves that when the community and our security forces stand united, no terrorist can hide from the law,” he said.
Maj. Gen. Cagara also urged remaining DI members to surrender and avail of government assistance.
“The government is ready to help you rebuild your lives. The door to peace is always open for those who choose to change,” he added.