A NOTORIOUS individual was killed while four soldiers were wounded in a clash during a law enforcement operation in the hinterlands of Sulu, the military said Sunday, August 17, 2025.
Major General Leonardo Peña, 11th Infantry Division commander, identified the slain individual as Alganer Dahim alias Wangbu, the second most wanted person in Sulu.
Peña said Dahim was killed in a clash with joint military, police, and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) operatives on Saturday in Kapok Punggol village, Maimbung, Sulu.
“Our troops remain constantly vigilant, and we will not allow unlawful disturbances affecting the lives of the people of Sulu. There is no place for criminals and lawless elements to hide in Sulu, and justice will always catch up with those who sow violence, fear, and disorder in our communities,” Peña said.
The four wounded soldiers belong to the 41st Infantry Battalion. They sustained wounds from grenade shrapnel and were brought to Camp Bautista Station Hospital in Jolo, the capital of Sulu.
Peña said Dahim was involved in large-scale illegal drug operations in the municipalities of Parang, Indanan, and Maimbung.
He said Dahim was also involved in the killing of Police Colonel Julasirim Kasim, then Sulu police director, in May 2009 in Maimbung, Sulu.
He added that Dahim was also linked to the killing of three members of the Amil family years ago in Labah village, Maimbung.
The troops recovered several magazines, ammunition, and other war materiel from the clash site.
Peña said the 11ID, in close coordination with the police and other law enforcement agencies, continues to intensify focused military and law enforcement operations to ensure lasting peace, security, and order in the province of Sulu. (SunStar Zamboanga)