An alleged member of the Dawlah Islamiya (DI) Group responsible for several shooting incidents in Maguindanao del Sur was killed in an armed confrontation in Barangay Kaya-Kaya, Datu Abdullah Sangki town over the weekend.

According to the 601st Infantry Brigade, the suspect identified as alias “Kwag-Kwag” was killed while government forces were serving an arrest warrant against him for murder and frustrated murder charges issued by a court in Cotabato City.

During the operation, the suspect allegedly resisted arrest and engaged the operating team in an exchange of fire, which resulted in his death.

Authorities seized a caliber .45 pistol and ammunition from the suspect.

The military said the suspect was the alleged principal suspect in the shooting incidents in Barangay Sapakan, Rajah Buayan on October 10, 2025; Barangay Dapantis, Rajah Buayan on September 18,2025; Barangay Sapakan, Rajah Buayan on June 10, 2025; and Barangay Baital on March 31, 2025 and February 2, 2025.

All victims in these attacks, including a principal of a public elementary school, were killed.

“Ang matagumpay na operasyong ito ay patunay ng nagkakaisang aksyon at propesyonalismo ng ating kapulisan at militar. Sa pamamagitan ng tuloy-tuloy na koordinasyon, mas napapalakas natin ang kapayapaan at seguridad sa ating mga komunidad,” 601st Infantry Brigade Commander, Brigadier General Edgar Catu, said.

6th Infantry Division and Joint Task Force Central Commander, Major General Jose Vladimir Cagara, also lauded the military and police officers for the successful operation and the cooperation of the public in providing vital information about the suspect’s whereabouts.

“Lubos ang aming pasasalamat sa mga sundalo, pulis, at sa mga mamamayang nagpakita ng malasakit at kooperasyon. Ang kanilang tiwala at pakikipagtulungan ay mahalaga sa matagumpay na pagpapatupad ng batas at sa pagpapanatili ng kaayusan at kaligtasan ng ating mga komunidad,” Cagara added.