SHARIFF AGUAK, Maguindanao del Sur — More than two months after a deadly ambush claimed the lives of five police officers and seriously injured three others, authorities have achieved a major breakthrough with the successful accounting of all three primary suspects believed responsible for the attack.
The Maguindanao del Sur Police Provincial Office (MDSPPO), under the leadership of Provincial Director Police Colonel Michael John C. Mangahis, announced that sustained intelligence operations, coordinated law enforcement efforts, and relentless security campaigns have led to the arrest or neutralization of the key individuals linked to the March 28, 2026 ambush in Shariff Aguak.
The attack, which shocked the province and drew widespread condemnation, prompted an extensive manhunt and intensified security operations aimed at bringing the perpetrators to justice.
The latest breakthrough came on June 6, when police operatives arrested a suspect identified only by his aliases “Nexon” and “Nelson” at General Santos City International Airport.
Authorities described the suspect as the Number 1 Provincial Most Wanted Person in Maguindanao del Sur and the Number 9 Most Wanted Individual in the Bangsamoro region under the Police Regional Office–Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (PRO BAR).
Investigators confirmed that Nexon is a high-ranking member of the DI-Hassan Group, a lawless armed group operating in parts of Maguindanao. His arrest was carried out through the implementation of valid warrants issued by the Regional Trial Court Branch 15 in Shariff Aguak, charging him with multiple counts of murder, frustrated murder, and robbery with violence or intimidation.
Police said the arrest marks a significant development in the ongoing investigation and represents a major step toward achieving justice for the slain officers.
Prior to Nexon’s arrest, a joint operation conducted by the Philippine National Police and the Armed Forces of the Philippines on May 22 led to the capture of another suspect, Ibrahim Salik, also known as “Brahim” or “Abu Perdaus.”
The operation took place in Sitio Gunsang, Barangay Labu-Labu, Shariff Aguak, where security forces apprehended Salik and recovered a live improvised explosive device (IED) from his possession.
Authorities identified Salik as an active member of the DI-Hassan Group and said the evidence recovered during his arrest directly linked him to the planning and execution of the March 28 ambush.
Investigators also noted that both Nexon and Salik were implicated in a series of robbery incidents in Shariff Aguak. The allegations are reportedly supported by documentary evidence and witness testimonies gathered during the course of the investigation.
Police emphasized that all findings are being processed in accordance with due process and evidence-based investigative procedures.
Earlier, on April 26, focused military operations by the 601st Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army in Barangay Tauyan, Datu Hoffer Ampatuan, resulted in the neutralization of three members of the DI-Hassan Group.
Among those killed was Amin Upam, identified by authorities as one of the principal planners and direct participants in the March 28 attack. Security officials described his neutralization as a critical blow to the group’s operational capability and leadership structure.
With the arrest of Nexon, the capture of Salik, and the neutralization of Upam, authorities said all three primary suspects behind the deadly ambush have now been accounted for.
The Maguindanao del Sur Police Provincial Office hailed the developments as a testament to the dedication and professionalism of law enforcement and military personnel who worked tirelessly to track down those responsible.
“The successful operations demonstrate our unwavering commitment to uphold the rule of law, protect our communities, and ensure that justice is served,” the police command said in a statement.
Authorities reiterated that attacks against law enforcement personnel will be met with decisive action and that efforts to dismantle criminal and armed groups threatening peace and security in the province will continue.
Police vowed to remain vigilant in pursuing all individuals involved in violent crimes, stressing that no perpetrator will be allowed to evade accountability.
The March 28 ambush remains one of the deadliest attacks against law enforcement personnel in Maguindanao del Sur in recent years, but officials said the latest developments bring the families of the fallen officers one step closer to justice.