MAGUINDANAO DEL SUR – A series of joint police and military operations on July 21, 2026 culminated in the arrest of a high-value fugitive with alleged links to the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), following an earlier operation that led to the apprehension of his wife and the seizure of high-powered firearms and improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
The suspect, Muslimin Amilil, was arrested during a follow-up law enforcement operation in Purok 3, Barangay Tukanalipao, Mamasapano, Maguindanao del Sur, after initially evading authorities during the implementation of multiple warrants of arrest earlier that day in Barangay Duguengen, Shariff Saydona Mustapha.
According to authorities, the initial operation was conducted by the Maguindanao del Sur Police Provincial Office (MDSPPO) led by PCOL Michael John C. Mangahis, in coordination with the 34th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army, the Shariff Saydona Mustapha Municipal Police Station, the 44th Special Action Company of the 4th Special Action Battalion of the Philippine National Police-Special Action Force (PNP-SAF), the Regional Intelligence Division of the Police Regional Office–Bangsamoro (PRO BAR), and the 1402nd Regional Mobile Force Battalion 14-A.
The operation sought to implement warrants issued by Hon. Annabelle D.P. Piang, Presiding Judge of the Regional Trial Court Branch 15, dated May 18, 2026, covering charges of Murder, Frustrated Murder, and Robbery.
Although Amilil escaped during the first operation, authorities arrested his wife, Aiza Awab Amilil, after recovering an alleged cache of weapons and explosives from her possession.
Seized during the operation were:
- Five (5) high-powered firearms, including Baby M16, M16, and M14 rifles;
- Three (3) Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs); and
- One Suzuki Utility Vehicle (Mini Van) bearing Plate No. KAM 8564.
The arrested woman and the recovered items were placed under the custody of the Shariff Saydona Mustapha Municipal Police Station for documentation and appropriate legal disposition.
Follow-up operation leads to arrest
Acting on intelligence gathered after the initial raid, combined police and military forces launched a follow-up operation later that day, successfully locating and arresting Amilil in Barangay Tukanalipao, Mamasapano.
The follow-up operation was carried out by joint elements of the Maguindanao del Sur Police Provincial Office, Headquarters 34th Infantry Battalion, Mamasapano Municipal Police Station, 44SAC, 4SAB PNP-SAF, 1402nd RMFB 14-A, and the Regional Intelligence Division of PRO BAR.
Authorities described Amilil as a former BIFF bomber under Zainodin Kiaro, who was allegedly trained by notorious bomb makers Marwan and Basit Usman. Police also identified him as a senior adviser of the Panenekelan Criminal Gang, claiming he is linked to the Dawlah Islamiyah–Hassan Group and presently professes affiliation with the MILF 128th Base Command.
Law enforcement authorities further alleged that Amilil has been implicated in several major security incidents, including the March 28, 2026 ambush of Philippine National Police personnel in Shariff Aguak and the 2015 Mamasapano encounter involving the Special Action Force (SAF) 44.
Authorities served multiple warrants of arrest against Amilil covering several criminal cases, including Murder, Frustrated Murder, Robbery, Attempted Murder, and Double Murder with Multiple Frustrated Murder, issued by various branches of the Regional Trial Court. Several of the cases reportedly carry a “No Bail Recommended” status.
Following his arrest, police informed Amilil of the nature of the charges against him and his constitutional rights in accordance with existing laws and Republic Act No. 9745, or the Anti-Torture Act of 2009.
He was subsequently brought to the Maguindanao Provincial Hospital for a medical examination before being transferred to the custody of the Mamasapano Municipal Police Station for documentation and proper legal disposition.
Police chief: “Justice will hunt you down”
Maguindanao del Sur Provincial Director PCOL Michael John C. Mangahis hailed the operation as a significant accomplishment in the province’s campaign against armed criminal groups and wanted personalities.
“Criminals must be brought to justice at all cost. No one is above the law. Peace and order is non-negotiable, and the rule of law is absolute—protecting the oppressed and holding accountable those who sow violence. To those who defy the law, let this stand as a warning: justice will hunt you down, accountability will find you, and the guardians of peace will never falter. There is no refuge for lawlessness—the law will prevail, always,” Mangahis said.
Authorities said the successful back-to-back operations underscore the strengthened coordination between the Philippine National Police and the Armed Forces of the Philippines in pursuing wanted individuals, dismantling criminal networks, and preventing the proliferation of illegal firearms and explosives in Maguindanao del Sur and the wider Bangsamoro region.
Editor’s Note: The allegations regarding Amilil’s affiliations and involvement in previous incidents are based on information released by law enforcement authorities. His guilt on the criminal charges remains subject to judicial proceedings.