A predawn joint operation in Ampatuan, Maguindanao del Sur ended with the death of Amar Sansawi Usman — listed by authorities as the most wanted individual in both Maguindanao del Sur and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) — along with a companion known only as alias Syok, on Sunday, November 8, 2026.
The Philippine Army's 6th Infantry (Kampilan) Division reported that troops and police converged on Barangay Kapinpilan, Ampatuan at approximately 5:30 a.m. The 6ID linked both men to the Dawlah Islamiyah-Hassan Group (DI-HG), a local armed faction that authorities say has declared allegiance to the Islamic State.
Operation Details and Units Involved
The 6th Infantry Division classified the action as a Joint Law Enforcement Support Operation (JLESO), executed by soldiers of the 90th Infantry Battalion under Lt. Col. Loqui O. Marco in coordination with multiple PNP units — specifically the Ampatuan Municipal Police Station, the Police Mobile Force Company, and the Special Action Force.
The Maguindanao del Sur Police Provincial Office (PPO) described the operation as enforcement of an arrest warrant served in Sitio Bliss, Barangay Kapinpilan, with its timeline placing the start at around 5:15 a.m. The PPO said the operation was led by provincial police alongside the Provincial Intelligence Unit, Shariff Aguak police, mobile force units, the Special Action Force, and the 90th Infantry Battalion, according to the Daily Tribune.
Provincial director Col. John Michael Mangahis said that Usman and his companions allegedly fired at the approaching law enforcers, sparking a gunfight. Despite medical attention, both men died from their wounds, police said.
Linked to Deadly 2026 Police Ambush
Authorities alleged Usman was one of the principal suspects in the March 28, 2026 ambush of a police patrol in Barangay Mother Poblacion, Shariff Aguak — an attack that, according to authorities, killed five police officers and wounded three others. The 6ID also placed alias Syok among the suspects in that same ambush and alleged his involvement in riding-in-tandem criminal activities.
According to police records cited by the Daily Tribune, Usman faced five counts of murder with no bail recommended, filed before Branch 15 of the Regional Trial Court under warrants dated May 19, 2026. He additionally faced three counts of frustrated murder, and police further alleged his involvement in robbery, motorcycle theft, gun-for-hire activities, and attacks against government forces.
Weapons Seized at the Scene
The 6th Infantry Division said soldiers recovered a caliber.45 pistol and an Uzi submachine gun from the scene, along with magazines and ammunition. The Army said the recovered items have been documented and are under investigation.
Senior Commanders Issue Statements
Brig. Gen. Gremel B. Brual, commander of the 601st Infantry Brigade, attributed the operation's success to close coordination between military and police units, as well as to the military's relationships with local government officials and community residents. He said in a statement in Filipino that civilian reporting of suspicious persons and activities contributed directly to the outcome.
Maj. Gen. Edgar L. Catu, commander of both the 6ID and Joint Task Force Central, commended the 601st Brigade, the 90th Infantry Battalion, and their PNP partners for their cooperation and dedication during the operation, the Army said.
Catu also called on members of armed groups to give up violence and surrender. The 6ID quoted him in Filipino as saying: "They still have a chance to change course, return to their families, and live peacefully and within the law. They should not waste this chance." He added that the 6ID and JTF Central would continue to strengthen inter-agency coordination to hold armed threat groups legally accountable while observing human rights and due process.
Background on the Dawlah Islamiyah-Hassan Group
The Dawlah Islamiyah is a local extremist organisation that has pledged loyalty to the Islamic State. Its Hassan faction has maintained a long presence in municipalities surrounding Shariff Aguak and Ampatuan in Maguindanao del Sur. Following the March 28 Shariff Aguak ambush, authorities filed criminal charges against 11 persons of interest in connection with the attack in April 2026.
Source: Daily Tribune