SHARIFF AGUAK, Maguindanao del Sur — A suspected member of the Dawlah Islamiyah-Hassan Group (DI-HG) was killed, while two others were wounded, following a brief but intense gunfight between government forces and armed suspects during a joint law enforcement operation in Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao del Sur, on Thursday morning, November 12, 2026.
The operation, which was intended to serve arrest warrants against alleged members of the armed group, erupted into an approximately 10- to 15-minute firefight after the suspects reportedly opened fire on approaching military and police personnel.
Lt. Col. Loqui O. Marco, commanding officer of the 90th Infantry Battalion, said the operation targeted Tahir Kam Salik, also known as Tahir, Joross Salik or Zubair, and Samin Tagal, alias Samin, who are allegedly affiliated with the DI-Hassan Group.
The suspects were reportedly facing multiple criminal charges, including murder, frustrated murder, and robbery, which served as the basis for the implementation of arrest warrants.
Salik was also identified in police reports as the second most wanted person in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), and the most wanted individual in Maguindanao del Sur and the municipality of Shariff Aguak.
The joint operation was conducted at around 6 a.m. in Sitio Taligba, Barangay Kuloy, by personnel of the 601st Infantry Brigade, led by the 90th Infantry Battalion, with support from the 34th Infantry Battalion, Shariff Aguak Municipal Police Station, and the Philippine National Police Special Action Force (PNP-SAF).
However, conflicting operational details in separate reports placed another phase or location of the warrant-serving operation at Sitio Laguigao, Barangay Poblacion 2, at approximately 10:20 a.m. Authorities have yet to clarify whether this was a separate operation or part of the same law enforcement effort.
According to the additional police account, operatives initially identified themselves as police officers and called on the suspects to surrender peacefully. The armed individuals allegedly responded by firing at the approaching personnel, triggering the exchange of gunfire.
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Following the encounter, the suspects reportedly withdrew toward a heavily forested area, carrying their wounded companions. One was subsequently reported killed, while two others sustained injuries. Bloodstains were found at the encounter site, according to the operational report.
During clearing operations, authorities recovered firearms and ammunition, including an M16 rifle and a .45-caliber pistol, along with magazines and ammunition. An additional inventory identified an M16 Elisco rifle containing eight rounds and three spent cartridges, as well as a Norinco .45-caliber pistol loaded with two rounds, with two spent cartridges also recovered.
The suspects were also reportedly being investigated for alleged involvement in several violent incidents, including ambushes, shootings, robbery-hold-ups, gun-for-hire activities, and motorcycle theft.
Among the incidents cited in the police report were the ambush of police personnel from the Provincial Mobile Force Company in Shariff Aguak on March 28, 2026; an attack against personnel of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 12 in Lambayong, Sultan Kudarat, on July 7, 2026; and the killing of goat traders from Calatagan, Batangas, in Mamasapano in May 2025.
Salik was reportedly facing seven counts of murder and three counts of frustrated murder, with several cases carrying court recommendations for no bail.
Military and police personnel have since continued hot pursuit and clearing operations in the area to locate and arrest the fleeing suspects and prevent further security threats.
Brig. Gen. Gremel B. Brual, commander of the 601st Infantry Brigade, reaffirmed the military’s commitment to supporting the police in law enforcement operations, particularly those aimed at preventing criminal activities and protecting communities.
Brual also reiterated that the brigade remains open to individuals and armed groups willing to surrender, abandon violence and illegal activities, and pursue a peaceful and productive life.
Meanwhile, Maj. Gen. Edgar L. Catu, commander of the 6th Infantry (Kampilan) Division and Joint Task Force Central, commended the military and police units involved in the operation for their efforts to enforce the law and address security threats.
He also acknowledged the support of local government units and residents, emphasizing that cooperation among government institutions and communities remains essential to sustaining peace and stability in Central and South Central Mindanao.
Authorities have appealed to the public to remain vigilant and immediately report any information that could help locate the fleeing suspects.
The incident underscores the continuing security challenges in parts of Maguindanao del Sur, where law enforcement operations against armed groups and individuals facing serious criminal charges remain a critical component of efforts to protect civilians and maintain public order.