SULTAN MASTURA, Maguindanao del Norte — A sub-leader of the Dawlah Islamiyah-Hassan Group and three of his alleged armed companions were killed in a government law enforcement operation in Barangay Tapayan, Sultan Mastura, Maguindanao del Norte, on October 16, 2026, after a brief exchange of gunfire with joint security forces.
The slain sub-leader was identified as Yusa Ganoy, also known by the alias “Minimi,” who was reportedly the number four most wanted person at the provincial level in Maguindanao del Sur. His three companions, all male, remained unidentified in the initial reports.
According to reports from the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) and the military, the operation was launched to serve multiple warrants of arrest against Ganoy, who was allegedly a sub-leader of the Dawlah Islamiyah-Hassan Group operating under the Alpha King Group.
The joint operation involved the CIDG Cotabato City Field Unit, the Regional Special Operations Team of CIDG Regional Field Unit 15, Regional Intelligence Unit 15, the Philippine National Police Special Action Force, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the 1st Marine Brigade, the 2nd Marine Battalion, and the local territorial police unit, along with other government forces.
Authorities said the operation was intelligence-driven and intended to apprehend Ganoy in connection with several serious criminal cases. The warrants were issued by courts in Cotabato City, Shariff Aguak in Maguindanao del Sur, and Iligan City in Lanao del Norte in 2021 and 2023.
Ganoy was facing charges involving destructive arson, direct assault, multiple counts of frustrated murder, double murder, qualified direct assault with multiple attempted murder, and violations of Republic Act No. 11479, or the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020.
In its report to CIDG Director Police Major General Robert A.A. Morico II, the agency identified Ganoy as an alleged key figure in the Dawlah Islamiyah-Hassan Group. Authorities also linked him to bombing incidents in Isulan, Sultan Kudarat, as well as killings, arson, and other alleged violent activities in Maguindanao del Sur.
He was reportedly included in the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ Periodic Status Report and listed as the fourth most wanted individual at the provincial level in Maguindanao del Sur.
The operation, which began in the afternoon, turned into an armed encounter when Ganoy and his three alleged escorts reportedly opened fire on the approaching government personnel. The operating team returned fire, saying it had to defend itself against the armed attack and the imminent threat to the lives of its members.
The exchange of gunfire reportedly lasted approximately five minutes and resulted in the deaths of Ganoy and his three companions.
During clearing operations at the scene, authorities recovered firearms and an improvised explosive device (IED). The CIDG report specifically listed one assault rifle, three .45-caliber pistols, and one IED among the recovered items. A separate military account also reported the recovery of four firearms used by the suspects.
Authorities have not provided further details on the identities of the three slain companions or the circumstances surrounding the recovery and handling of the suspected explosive device.
Brigadier General Ricky P. Bunayog, acting commander of the 6th Infantry Division (6ID), said the operation demonstrated the government’s continuing efforts to enforce the law and hold individuals facing serious criminal charges accountable.
He stressed that the 6ID remains committed to maintaining peace and security within its area of responsibility while ensuring that military operations are conducted in accordance with the law and with full respect for human rights.
Bunayog also underscored the importance of coordination between the AFP and other law enforcement agencies in strengthening law enforcement and protecting communities.
Meanwhile, the CIDG leadership commended Police Lieutenant Colonel Eugene A. Balugo, officer-in-charge of CIDG Regional Field Unit 15 in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region, Police Captain Lyndon G. Mondragon, head of the CIDG Cotabato City Field Unit, and the other participating units for carrying out the operation.
The CIDG expressed condolences to the families of the four fatalities and reiterated its commitment to pursuing wanted persons and fugitives and combating criminality and terrorism.
The operation highlights continuing security efforts in parts of central Mindanao, where authorities have pursued individuals allegedly linked to armed violence and serious criminal offenses. However, the charges against Ganoy remain allegations that would ordinarily be subject to judicial determination; his death during the operation means the cases against him will have to be addressed in accordance with applicable legal procedures.