LANAO DEL SUR, Philippines — The Philippine Army has confirmed that members of the Dawlah-Islamiyah Maute Group (DI-MG) killed in a recent law enforcement operation in Marantao, Lanao del Sur were the same armed individuals responsible for the deadly ambush of government troops in Munai, Lanao del Norte earlier this year.
The 1st Infantry “Tabak” Division said the identification of the neutralized fighters was established through validated intelligence and forensic analysis of materials recovered during the April 17, 2026 operation. Among the key pieces of evidence was a video retrieved from the cellular phone of a female Maute Group member who was killed in the encounter.
According to the Army, the footage provides “direct and compelling” proof linking the group to the January 23, 2026 ambush in Barangay Lininding, Munai. The video allegedly shows the participation of the same individuals in the attack, which targeted government forces and resulted in casualties among state troops.
Military officials said the digital evidence, combined with other recovered war materiel and intelligence reports, conclusively established the identities and accountability of the slain fighters.
Maj. Gen. Yegor Rey P. Barroquillo Jr., commander of the 1st Infantry Division, said the development brings closure to the families of soldiers killed in the ambush.
“This was a legitimate operation, fully compliant with rules of engagement. The Philippine Army remains steadfast in its mandate to relentlessly pursue and decisively neutralize enemies of the State, ensuring all actions are directed strictly against lawful targets,” Barroquillo said.
“The video recovered from the cellphone of a female Maute member further reinforces that justice has been duly served for our fallen comrade,” he added.
The Army reiterated that its operations are intelligence-driven and undergo strict target validation to ensure that only legitimate threats are engaged. It also emphasized its commitment to minimizing risks to civilians while upholding human rights and adhering to International Humanitarian Law.
The Maute Group, which pledged allegiance to extremist networks in the past, has been linked to a series of violent incidents in Mindanao, including attacks on military and civilian targets. Authorities continue to pursue remaining members of the group as part of ongoing security efforts in the Lanao provinces.
The military maintains that sustained operations are necessary to prevent the resurgence of armed groups and to ensure long-term peace and stability in the region.