COTABATO CITY, Philippines — Two teenagers allegedly linked by authorities to the Dawlah Islamiya (DI) armed group were arrested after an exchange of gunfire with police in Maguindanao del Sur, adding to growing security concerns in an area that has seen a series of operations against suspected remnants of extremist and criminal groups.
According to the Philippine Daily Inquirer, the two suspected Moro extremists were injured during a shootout with police authorities in Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao del Sur, before they were taken into custody. Authorities are continuing their investigation into the teenagers’ alleged links and activities.
The incident comes as police and military forces intensify operations against individuals authorities identify as remaining members or associates of Dawlah Islamiya and other armed groups operating in parts of Central Mindanao.
Shariff Aguak Remains a Focus of Security Operations
Shariff Aguak has been the site of several major police and military operations in recent months.
In August, police killed a long-wanted suspect during the implementation of an arrest warrant in Shariff Aguak after authorities said he allegedly opened fire on operatives. Police identified the man as Rambo London Guiasalim, whom they linked to multiple criminal cases and alleged connections to the 2015 Mamasapano encounter. His wife was wounded, while another companion was arrested.
Earlier, government forces also intensified their pursuit of suspects linked to the deadly March 28 ambush in Shariff Aguak that killed five police officers and wounded three others.
The Philippine News Agency reported that three alleged suspects connected to the attack were killed during a military operation in April, while authorities later filed charges against several individuals in connection with the ambush.
More Arrests Linked to Alleged DI Network
Authorities have also reported several arrests involving people allegedly connected to Dawlah Islamiya and related armed networks in Maguindanao del Sur.
In July, police and military forces arrested Muslimin Amilil, whom authorities described as an alleged bomb maker linked to the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters and Dawlah Islamiya. Authorities said he was facing multiple criminal cases and was allegedly connected to armed groups operating in the province.
Separate operations later resulted in the arrest of additional suspects authorities described as Dawlah Islamiya members and alleged bomb makers, according to police and military officials.
The arrest of the two teenagers now places renewed attention on allegations that remnants or associates of armed groups may still be operating in communities across parts of Maguindanao del Sur.
Security Concerns Continue in Maguindanao
The latest police operation also comes amid continuing violence involving firearms in Maguindanao del Sur and nearby areas.
Recent reports have documented shootings and armed attacks despite heightened security measures and an election gun ban in the Bangsamoro region. The Inquirer previously reported multiple fatalities in separate gun attacks in Maguindanao provinces, underscoring the continuing challenge faced by authorities in controlling armed violence.
A recent VERA Files report also noted continuing security concerns in BARMM, including attacks involving alleged Dawlah Islamiya members and ongoing government operations against suspected armed group remnants.
Investigation Continues
Authorities have yet to establish through the courts the full extent of the teenagers’ alleged involvement with Dawlah Islamiya or other armed activities. As with all criminal allegations, the suspects are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
The case is expected to undergo further investigation as police examine the circumstances surrounding the shootout and determine whether the two teenagers have links to a broader armed network.
The arrests are the latest development in an intensified campaign by police and military forces in Maguindanao del Sur, where authorities continue to pursue suspects allegedly involved in terrorism-related activities, attacks on security personnel, and other violent crimes.
But the biggest question now is whether the arrest of the two teenagers will lead authorities to more suspected members and supporters operating behind the scenes.
Leave a Reply