BALOI, Lanao del Norte — April 29, 2025 — A former member of the Dawlah Islamiya (DI) Maute Group was arrested in a joint law enforcement operation in Baloi, Lanao del Norte, for his alleged involvement in multiple violent incidents, including the strafing of police personnel and deadly attacks on soldiers.
The suspect, identified by the aliases “Ikrima” and “Alicsadato Pablo,” a 24-year-old resident of Barangay Ramain, Munai, was apprehended by personnel from the 1st Provincial Mobile Force Company of Lanao del Norte Police Provincial Office, Munai Municipal Police Station, and Regional Intelligence Unit 10.
Authorities served the warrant of arrest at the 2nd Mechanized Infantry Brigade, Armor Division, Philippine Army, in Barangay Maria Cristina. The warrant, dated June 10, 2024, stemmed from the crime of Direct Assault with Attempted Murder under Criminal Case Nos. 24-29279 and 24-29280. Bail was set at Php120,000.00 for each case.
The charges are linked to the December 20, 2023 strafing incident at Maigo Foodhouse, where police personnel conducting visibility operations came under sudden gunfire. One police officer sustained a gunshot wound and minor injuries. Investigators later identified the suspect as the gunman.
Further investigation connected him to several other violent encounters in Lanao del Norte. These include a February 18, 2024 armed clash in Barangay Ramain that claimed the lives of six soldiers from the 44th Infantry Battalion and wounded nine others. He is also implicated in the ambush of two intelligence operatives from the 51st Infantry Battalion and the bombing of an NGCP tower in Barangay Paiton, Kauswagan.
The suspect is currently under the custody of the 2nd Mechanized Infantry Brigade for proper disposition.
Police Regional Office 10 Director PBGEN Jaysen C. De Guzman praised the operating units for their coordinated efforts and commitment to public safety.
“This arrest highlights our firm determination to hold criminals and terrorists accountable. Let it be clear: there is no safe haven for those who endanger peace—whether in remote areas or within our communities. The law will find them,” he said. “We urge the remaining terrorists to surrender now and choose peace over violence.”
The operation marks another step forward in the government’s ongoing campaign to dismantle local terror networks and restore peace in conflict-affected areas.