COTABATO CITY – Government troops recovered two high-powered firearms after a firefight with members of an armed alliance composed of the Dawlah Islamiyah-Hassan Group, the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), and the Panenekelan Group during ongoing military operations in Maguindanao del Sur on Thursday, July 23.
The encounter occurred in Barangay Inaladan, Shariff Saydona Mustapha, where troops from the 38th Infantry “We Clear” Battalion (38IB) under the 601st Infantry “Unifier” Brigade were conducting decisive military operations aimed at dismantling the remaining terrorist elements operating in the province.
According to the military, the soldiers, led by Lt. Col. Erwin E. Felongco, encountered members of the combined armed groups, triggering a brief exchange of gunfire before the militants retreated from the area.
Following the clash, government forces launched a pursuit operation, leading to the recovery of two abandoned high-powered firearms believed to have been left behind by the fleeing extremists. The recovered weapons included an M16 caliber 5.56mm rifle and an M1 Garand caliber .30 rifle.
Military authorities said the armed alliance is believed to be responsible for a series of bombings, harassment attacks, and ambushes targeting government troops and police personnel in various parts of Maguindanao del Sur.
Pressure Mounts on Remaining Extremist Groups
The latest encounter comes amid intensified military operations against terrorist organizations in Central Mindanao, following a series of significant setbacks suffered by extremist groups in recent weeks.
The military noted that the remaining members of the BIFF, Dawlah Islamiyah, and Panenekelan Group have reportedly been forced to consolidate their forces after losing several key leaders.
Among the recent blows dealt to the groups was the death of Esmael Abubakar, also known as Commander Bungos, leader of the BIFF-Bungos Faction, who was killed during military operations in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao del Norte on July 5, 2026.
Another major development was the arrest of Muslimin Amilil, one of the leaders of the Panenekelan Group and an alleged bomb-maker for both the BIFF and Dawlah Islamiyah, in Barangay Tukanalipao, Mamasapano, on July 21, 2026.
Military officials said these losses have weakened the terrorist organizations, prompting their surviving members to merge in an attempt to sustain their operations.
Army: Every Seized Firearm Weakens Terrorist Capability
Brig. Gen. Edgar L. Catu, commander of the 601st Infantry Brigade, described the seizure of the firearms as another significant setback for the terrorist groups.
“We will not stop until the threat of terrorism in our area of responsibility is completely eliminated. Every firearm we recover means a safer community and less capability for terrorists to intimidate civilians and sow violence,” Catu said.
He emphasized that sustained military operations remain focused on dismantling the armed groups and preventing them from regrouping.
6ID Commends Troops, Vows Sustained Security Operations Ahead of BARMM Polls
Meanwhile, Major General Jose Vladimir R. Gagara, commander of the 6th Infantry (Kampilan) Division and Joint Task Force Central, lauded the courage and professionalism displayed by the soldiers during the operation.
He said the successful engagement demonstrated the military’s unwavering commitment to neutralizing terrorist threats and maintaining peace and order in Central Mindanao.
“Once again, our soldiers have proven their readiness and determination to pursue and defeat terrorist groups that threaten peace. This success is the result of their dedication and professional performance of duty,” Gagara said.
The Army commander also assured the public that the 6th Infantry Division and Joint Task Force Central will continue relentless security operations to protect communities, particularly as preparations intensify for the upcoming Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) parliamentary elections.
Military officials reiterated that intensified offensives against remaining extremist groups will continue to prevent terrorist attacks, safeguard civilian communities, and ensure a secure environment for the forthcoming regional elections.