MAGUINDANAO DEL NORTE, Philippines — Government security forces scored a major breakthrough in their campaign against local terrorist groups after the leader of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF)-Bungos Faction, Esmael Abubakar, also known as “Kumander Bungos,” was killed during a joint law enforcement operation in Barangay Calsada, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao del Norte, in the early hours of Sunday, July 5.
The operation, carried out at around 1:10 a.m. in Sitio Tambak, was jointly conducted by the Maguindanao del Sur Police Provincial Office (MDS PPO), the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), and elite units of the Philippine National Police-Special Action Force (PNP-SAF), with intelligence support from the Regional Intelligence Division of the Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (PRO BAR).
Authorities said the operation was launched to serve multiple warrants of arrest issued against Abubakar for murder, murder with double frustrated murder, multiple attempted murder, qualified direct assault, and destructive arson. The warrants were issued by various Regional Trial Courts in Maguindanao, including a court in Cotabato City.
Top Terror Target Neutralized
Abubakar had long been identified as the Top 1 Most Wanted Person at both the regional and provincial levels and was listed under the Department of National Defense-Department of the Interior and Local Government (DND-DILG) Joint Order of Rewards for Local Terrorist Groups, carrying a bounty of P3 million.
He was likewise designated as an individual terrorist under Anti-Terrorism Council Resolution No. 16 (2021) and classified as a primary High-Value Target by the Western Mindanao Command (WESMINCOM).
According to military records, Abubakar served as the former Vice Chairman for Political Affairs of the BIFF under the late Ameril Umbra Kato. Following internal divisions within the group, he established his own BIFF-Bungos Faction and declared himself its chairman.
His faction primarily operated in the municipalities of Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Datu Piang, Pagatin, and Mamasapano in Maguindanao del Sur.
Linked to Series of Violent Attacks
Authorities accused Abubakar of orchestrating numerous attacks against government forces and civilians over the years.
Among the incidents attributed to his group were bombings, armed harassment, ambushes, road blockades, and coordinated assaults on military and police personnel.
One of the most notable attacks linked to the BIFF-Bungos Faction was the simultaneous assaults on February 28, 2019, in Cotabato City and Maguindanao del Sur, which resulted in the deaths of three soldiers from the 57th Infantry Battalion and injuries to two civilians.
He was also allegedly behind the ambush of Philippine National Police personnel in Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao del Sur, on March 28, 2026.
Joint Security Forces Laud Successful Operation
The successful operation was spearheaded by the 601st Infantry Brigade under Brig. Gen. Edgar L. Catu, together with other units of the 6th Infantry “Kampilan” Division, the Maguindanao del Sur Provincial Police Office led by Police Col. Michael John C. Mangahis, and PNP-SAF’s Rapid Deployment Battalion and 4th Special Action Battalion.
Brig. Gen. Catu credited the success of the mission to the cooperation between civilians and the sustained coordination among military and police units.
“The successful neutralization of Esmael Abubakar alias Bungos is the result of the cooperation of civilians and the continued coordination between the 601st Brigade and our police forces,” Catu said.
He added that the accomplishment serves as justice for the families who suffered from the violent activities of the BIFF-Bungos Faction and assured the public that security forces will continue pursuing the remaining members of the organization to achieve lasting peace in the area.
Meanwhile, Joint Task Force Central and 6th Infantry Division Commander Maj. Gen. Jose Vladimir R. Cagara commended the courage and professionalism of the operating troops.
“The Joint Task Force Central and the entire 6th Infantry ‘Kampilan’ Division salute the bravery and dedication of our soldiers and police personnel,” Cagara said.
Major Blow to BIFF Operations
Military officials described Abubakar’s death as a strategic victory that is expected to significantly weaken the BIFF-Bungos Faction by creating a leadership vacuum that could disrupt its command structure, logistics, and recruitment activities.
The 6th Infantry Division also said the operation is expected to enhance security in Central Mindanao, particularly with the approaching Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) elections.
Authorities emphasized that the operation underscores the government’s continuing commitment to dismantling terrorist organizations, enforcing the rule of law, and ensuring peace, stability, and development across the Bangsamoro region.
Security forces have vowed to sustain follow-up operations against the remaining members of the BIFF-Bungos Faction to prevent any attempt to regroup and to further strengthen peace and public safety in Mindanao.