An alleged member of an organized criminal group was killed in an encounter during the service of arrest warrant in Barangay Panggao, Barira, Maguindanao del Norte on Monday, May 5, 2025.

Members of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (CIDG-BARMM) and Marine Battalion Landing Team-2 (MBLT-2) were about to serve the warrant against alias “Rokkie” and his seven companions when the suspects opened fire.

The operating team was forced to retaliate, which resulted in the death of one of the suspects.

“Layunin lamang ng aming tropa na suportahan ang PNP sa pagsisilbi ng warrant of arrest, subalit pinaputukan kami habang kami’y papalapit pa lamang sa bahay ng target personalities,” MBLT-2 Commander, Lt. Col. John Dela Cruz, was quoted as saying.

The suspects also allegedly threw a grenade while fleeing from the scene and abandoned their slain companion.

Authorities recovered two rifles, grenades, and ammunition.

According to Brigadier General Romulo Quemado II, commander of the 1st Marine Brigade, the group was allegedly involved in criminal activities, including gun-for-hire, robbery with violence, and illegal drugs.

“Ang grupong ito ay kilala ring kaalyado ni ‘Alpha King’ na may kaugnayan sa teroristang Dawlah Islamiya – Hassan Group,” Quemado said.

Major General Donal Gumiran, commander of the 6th Infantry Division, lauded the operating team for the successful operation.

“Ang tagumpay ng operasyong ito ay patunay ng epektibong koordinasyon at dedikasyon ng ating mga tropa, partikular ng MBLT-2 at CIDG-BARMM, sa pagpapatupad ng batas at pagpapanatili ng kaayusan sa rehiyon. Ang pagkakaneutralisa ng isang notoryus na kriminal ay malaking hakbang sa pagbawas ng krimen at sa kaligtasan ng ating mga kababayan,” Gumiran said.