MAGUINDANAO DEL SUR — A most wanted criminal linked to a string of killings in the province was killed on Sunday morning, December 14, 2025, after he allegedly fought back during the implementation of an arrest warrant in Barangay Kaya-Kaya, Datu Abdullah Sangki.
Authorities identified the suspect as Norodin Andig, also known as “Kwag-Kwag,” a resident of Barangay Dapantis, Rajah Buayan. He was facing multiple charges, including murder, frustrated murder, and destructive arson, and was the subject of warrants issued by RTC Branch 13, Cotabato City.
The fatal encounter occurred at around 7:00 a.m. during a joint law enforcement operation conducted by personnel of the Rajah Buayan Municipal Police Station (MPS) led by Police Lt. Joel S. Lebrilla, in coordination with the 33rd Infantry Battalion (33IB) under Lt. Col. Germen T. Legada, with support from the Datu Abdullah Sangki police.
According to police reports, the suspect opened fire at the approaching operatives, triggering a brief exchange of gunfire. Government forces returned fire, resulting in Andig’s death. He was rushed to a hospital but was declared dead on arrival.
Recovered from the suspect was a .45 caliber handgun with a magazine and ammunition.
Security officials said Andig was a supporter of the Dawlah Islamiyah (DI) group and had been implicated in a series of shooting incidents across Maguindanao del Sur, particularly in the town of Rajah Buayan. He was identified as a key suspect in the following killings:
- Guiania Gulam Mantikayan, killed on October 10, 2025 in Barangay Sapakan, Rajah Buayan;
- Baranda Kuta Abiden, killed on September 18, 2025 in Barangay Dapantis, Rajah Buayan;
- Alamansa Ambiton, principal of Sapakan Central Elementary School, killed on June 10, 2025 in Barangay Sapakan;
- Samsudin Q. Sangeban, killed on March 31, 2025 in Barangay Baital; and
- Jabber Amil Ambal, killed on February 2, 2025 in Barangay Baital.
In a statement, Brig. Gen. Edgar L. Catu, Commander of the 601st Infantry Brigade, said the operation underscored the strong coordination between the police and the military. “This successful operation reflects the unity, professionalism, and sustained cooperation of our security forces in strengthening peace and security in our communities,” he said.
Meanwhile, Maj. Gen. Jose Vladimir R. Cagara, Commander of the 6th Infantry Division and Joint Task Force Central, commended the troops and police officers involved, as well as civilians who provided crucial information that led to the suspect’s location. He emphasized that public cooperation remains vital in law enforcement efforts.
Authorities reiterated their call for residents to continue sharing information with police and military units to help curb criminality and maintain peace and order in Maguindanao del Sur.