A MID-level leader of the Dawlah Islamiya-Hassan Group (DI-HG) and four of his associates were killed in a military operation in the hinterlands of North Cotabato province, officials said Friday, August 7, 2026.
Lieutenant Colonel Erwin Jay Dumaghan, commander of the 40th Infantry Battalion, identified the slain DI-HG mid-level leader as Marhom Esmael. He slain associates of Esmael include Ameer Hassan, Asnawi Sansawi Usman, an alias Ali, and an unidentified cohort.
Dumaghan said they were killed in a clash during decisive military operation Thursday afternoon, August 6, in Inug-ug village, Pikit, North Cotabato.
The military operation was launched by joint forces of the 40th Infantry Battalion, 601st Infantry Brigade, 602nd Infantry Brigade, together with other operating units under the 6th Infantry Division and the Maguindanao del Sur Police Provincial Office.
Esmael is among the key personalities of DI-HG and is facing various criminal cases, including murder, frustrated murder, and robbery with violence against or intimidation of persons.
Meanwhile, troops recovered two M16A1 caliber 5.56 rifles and three short magazines which will be subjected to investigation.
“This successful operation is proof of our relentless pursuit of the remaining members of the local terrorist group that pose a threat to our communities. Our citizens can count on your soldiers, assisted by other government agencies, to continue maintaining peace and security in our region.” Major General Jose Vladimir Cagara, Western Mindanao Command acting commander.
“We also encourage the public to continue to cooperate with our soldiers by providing accurate information to prevent any threat of terrorism,” Cagara added. (SunStar Zamboanga)