MAIMBUNG, Sulu – August 16, 2025. A joint military and police operation in Maimbung, Sulu, led to the neutralization of Alganir Dawadil Dahim, alias “Wangbu”, the province’s No. 2 Most Wanted Person, who was linked to multiple murders, illegal drug trade, and remnants of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG).
The operation, carried out by troops of the 41st Infantry “Partners for Peace” Battalion, Philippine Army, together with the Maimbung Municipal Police Station, Regional Mobile Force Battalion 14-B, and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), was launched after residents of Barangay Labah reported harassment from armed men.
At around 2:30 PM, government forces pursued the group of Dahim in Barangay Kapok Punggol, where they were fired upon, sparking a 20-minute firefight. Dahim was killed in the clash, while four soldiers were wounded defending the community.
Recovered from the scene were four long steel magazines for 5.56mm rifles, 74 rounds of live ammunition, one 40mm M203 round, and a bandolier.
Background of the Neutralized Fugitive
Authorities confirmed that Dahim was a brother of a slain ASG sub-leader and had long been a major threat to peace and order in Sulu. He was wanted for multiple counts of murder, with warrants of arrest issued by the Regional Trial Court Branch 4 in Parang, Sulu.
He was also the primary suspect in the killing of PSSupt. Julasirim Kasim and three others and was linked to the illegal drug trade in the area. His group was notorious for sowing violence in local communities, forcing Tausug residents to seek military and police protection.
Soldiers Wounded in Action
The encounter left four government troops wounded: Cpl. Richard S. Sayno, Cpl. Harol B. Ugay, PFC Aldwin Renz S. Dindin, and PFC Jumel M. Tambo-ong.
Three of them were airlifted to Camp Navarro General Hospital in Zamboanga City, while Tambo-ong is being treated at Camp Bautista Station Hospital in Jolo, Sulu.
Maj. Gen. Leonardo I. Peña, Commander of the 11th Infantry “Alakdan” Division and Joint Task Force Orion, personally awarded the soldiers the Wounded Personnel Medal (WPM), praising their bravery and sacrifice.
“The heroism of our soldiers is beyond measure. Despite the risks, they stood their ground to ensure the safety of the people of Sulu. The medals we confer today are but a small recognition of their selfless service and sacrifice,” Maj. Gen. Peña said.
Commitment to Peace and Security
Brigadier General Emmanuel L. Cabasan, Commander of the 1103rd Infantry “Kalis” Brigade, assured that the wounded troops are receiving the highest level of care and commended their valor in defending the Tausug people.
“These men are living testaments of bravery and selfless service. The people of Sulu are safer today because of their courage. We will not allow unlawful disturbances to affect the lives of our people,” Brig. Gen. Cabasan emphasized.
The Army stressed that the success of the operation was made possible through the close coordination of the AFP, PNP, PDEA, and local government units, reinforcing their united commitment to safeguard Sulu from lawless elements.