A joint military and police team came under fire while attempting to serve arrest warrants in Barangay Kuloy, Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao del Sur on Thursday, November 12, 2026, resulting in the death of one Dawlah Islamiyah-Hassan Group (DI-HG) member and injuries to two others. The Army's 90th Infantry Battalion reported the incident.
Operatives Targeted Two Wanted DI-HG Suspects
According to Lt. Col. Loqui O. Marco, commanding officer of the 90th Infantry Battalion, the operation sought to arrest Tahir Salik — also identified as Joross Salik or Zubair — and Samin Tagal, also known as Samin. Lt. Col. Marco said both individuals face criminal charges including murder, frustrated murder, and robbery, which served as the legal basis for the warrants.
The Army's official account did not clarify whether either named suspect was among the casualties.
Firefight Erupted at Sitio Taligba at Dawn
Personnel from the 601st Infantry Brigade, spearheaded by the 90th Infantry Battalion and augmented by the 34th Infantry Battalion, converged on Sitio Taligba in Barangay Kuloy at around 6:00 a.m. alongside the Shariff Aguak Municipal Police Station and the PNP Special Action Force (PNP SAF).
The suspects opened fire on approaching operatives, triggering an exchange that lasted roughly 15 minutes, the military said. After the firefight ended, soldiers and police recovered two M16 rifles, one caliber .45 pistol, magazines, and ammunition from the scene.
Brigade Commander Reiterates Law Enforcement Support
Brig. Gen. Gremel B. Brual, commander of the 601st Infantry Brigade, said the brigade remains committed to assisting police in carrying out law enforcement operations. He also said the unit keeps its doors open to those involved in armed violence who wish to lay down their arms and return to civilian life.
6th Division Chief Commends Troops, Acknowledges Community Cooperation
Maj. Gen. Edgar L. Catu, commander of the 6th Infantry (Kampilan) Division and Joint Task Force Central, commended all units that took part in the operation and expressed relief over the safety of the personnel involved, according to the Army's official account. Maj. Gen. Catu also extended his gratitude to local government units and community members for their continued backing of peace and order efforts in Central and South Central Mindanao, and said the Army would press on with supporting police actions against criminal elements in the region.
Source: Philippine Army / 601st Infantry Brigade