AMPATUAN, Maguindanao del Sur — The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao’s (BARMM) most wanted fugitive and an alleged armed associate were killed in an early Sunday morning encounter with government forces during the implementation of multiple arrest warrants in Barangay Kapinpilan, Ampatuan, Maguindanao del Sur.
Authorities identified the principal target as Amar Sansawi Usman, also known as Akhie Usman and Marhan, who was ranked Number One Most Wanted Person in BARMM and Top One Most Wanted Person in Maguindanao del Sur. His associate, identified only by the alias “Syok,” also died following the November 8, 2026, operation in Sitio Bliss.
The operation began at approximately 5:15 a.m. and was carried out by a coordinated team led by the Maguindanao del Sur Police Provincial Office (MDS PPO) under Provincial Director Police Colonel Michael John C. Mangahis.
The operating team included personnel from the Provincial Intelligence Unit, Shariff Aguak Municipal Police Station, Provincial Mobile Force Company, Regional Mobile Force Battalion 14-A, Special Action Force, and the Philippine Army’s 90th Infantry Battalion. They were supported by the Ampatuan Municipal Police Station, Regional Intelligence Division, Regional Intelligence Unit 15, and National Intelligence Coordinating Agency 17.
Police reports stated that the operatives identified themselves and called on the suspects to surrender peacefully while serving the outstanding warrants against Usman. However, the two allegedly opened fire, triggering an armed confrontation.
Both suspects sustained injuries and were immediately given first aid by police medical personnel before being transported to the Bangsamoro Regional Hospital and Medical Center. They were subsequently declared dead despite medical intervention.
Facing multiple murder and robbery charges
Usman was identified by authorities as an alleged member of the ISIS-linked Dawlah Islamiyah-Hassan Group, which has been associated with violent activities and attacks against government forces in parts of Mindanao.
Investigators linked him to several serious criminal cases, including murder, robbery, motorcycle carnapping, alleged gun-for-hire activities, and attacks against security personnel across different provinces.
He was also among those implicated in the March 28, 2026, ambush of Philippine National Police personnel in Shariff Aguak, according to authorities.
The warrants served during the operation covered multiple criminal cases pending before different Regional Trial Court branches.
These included five counts of murder under Criminal Case Nos. SA-1540, SA-1541, SA-1542, SA-1544, and SA-1545, issued on May 19, 2026, by Executive Judge Annabelle D.P. Piang of RTC Branch 15, with no bail recommended.
He was also facing three counts of frustrated murder under Criminal Case Nos. SA-1539, SA-1543, and SA-1546, as well as a case of robbery with violence against or intimidation of persons under Criminal Case No. SA-1547, all issued by the same court on May 19, 2026.
Other outstanding cases included:
- Murder under Criminal Case No. 26-9190-LA, issued by RTC Branch 20 on May 4, 2026, with no bail recommended.
- Robbery with homicide under Criminal Case No. SA-1377, issued by RTC Branch 15 on October 1, 2025, with no bail recommended.
- Violation of Republic Act No. 10883, or the New Anti-Carnapping Act of 2016, under Criminal Case No. SA-1378, issued by RTC Branch 15.
- Frustrated murder under Criminal Case No. 8428-25, issued by RTC Branch 63 on July 2, 2025.
The cases underscore the extent of the criminal charges Usman was facing before his death.
Firearms recovered at the scene
Authorities recovered several pieces of evidence following the encounter, including an Armscor caliber .45 pistol, spent cartridge cases, and a homemade Uzi-type submachine gun loaded with ammunition.
Police said the recovered items would undergo proper documentation and processing as part of the continuing investigation. Follow-up operations and intelligence efforts are also underway.
In a statement following the operation, Mangahis said the police provincial office would remain committed to pursuing wanted individuals and dismantling criminal groups operating in the province.
“No one is above the law,” Mangahis said, stressing that authorities had given the suspects an opportunity to surrender peacefully before the encounter.
He added that the MDS PPO would continue carrying out its mandate to pursue fugitives, disrupt criminal networks, and uphold public safety and justice.
The police operation represents a significant development in the province’s campaign against individuals facing serious criminal charges. Authorities, however, have yet to release further details on the continuing investigation into the recovered firearms and the circumstances surrounding the encounter.