Authorities arrested a field commander of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) and his alleged medic during a joint law enforcement operation in Barangay Bonao, Tupi on February 27, 2026, military officials confirmed.
The operation was carried out by combined elements of the Tupi Municipal Police Station, the 6th Infantry Battalion (Philippine Army), and the 1st Mechanized Brigade (Philippine Army) following the issuance of warrants of arrest by a competent court.
Lt. Col. Al Victor C. Burkley, commanding officer of the 6th Infantry Battalion, identified the arrested suspects as Nasrullah Omar Onsek, also known by the aliases “Kagui Tatang” and “Kagui Onsek,” who allegedly serves as a field commander of the BIFF–Bungos faction, and Rowaida Omar, also known as “Kagui Rowaida,” who was reportedly acting as the group’s medic.
According to Brig. Gen. Omar V. Orozco, commander of the 1st Mechanized Brigade, the two suspects are facing multiple criminal charges, including multiple counts of attempted murder, destructive arson, and violations of the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020.
During the operation, authorities recovered from the suspects a caliber .45 pistol with one magazine and a grenade, which were immediately secured as evidence.
Military officials said the arrests were part of ongoing efforts to neutralize armed groups and enforce outstanding warrants tied to terrorism-related activities in Mindanao. The successful operation also highlighted the continued coordination between the military and police in addressing security threats in vulnerable communities.
Major General Jose Vladimir R. Cagara, commander of the 6th Infantry Division (Philippine Army) and Joint Task Force Central, commended the joint forces involved in the arrest.
“The arrest of these individuals is clear proof of our firm and relentless campaign against terrorism and criminality in our area of responsibility,” Cagara said. “It also demonstrates the importance of close coordination and unity between our armed forces and the police in enforcing the law.”
He added that the division remains committed to protecting civilians and maintaining peace and order in the region, urging the public to continue cooperating with authorities to sustain safe and progressive communities.
Officials said the successful operation underscores the government’s continuing push to strengthen security and pursue long-term peace initiatives across conflict-affected areas in Mindanao.