Government forces neutralized the leader of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters-Bungos Faction during a joint law enforcement operation in Barangay Calsada, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao del Norte.
The Western Mindanao Command said the operation targeted Esmael Abubakar, alias “Bungos,” chairman of the BIFF-Bungos Faction, who was facing multiple warrants of arrest for serious criminal offenses, including murder, multiple attempted murders, multiple frustrated murders, and destructive arson.
The operation was carried out by elements of the 601st Infantry “Unifier” Brigade under the 6th Infantry “Kampilan” Division and Joint Task Force Central, in close coordination with the Maguindanao del Sur Police Provincial Office and other Philippine National Police units.
According to WESTMINCOM, government forces encountered armed resistance while serving the warrants, triggering a brief firefight that resulted in Abubakar’s neutralization.
No casualties were reported on the government side.
Lieutenant General Donald M. Gumiran, commander of the Western Mindanao Command, commended the operating troops and law enforcement personnel under Major General Jose Vladimir R. Cagara, commander of the 6th Infantry Division and Joint Task Force Central, as well as the Maguindanao del Sur PPO, for the successful execution of the operation.
Gumiran said the operation reflected the strong coordination between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police in enforcing the law and protecting communities from terrorist threats.
“This successful operation reflects the unwavering commitment of our security forces to uphold the rule of law and protect our communities from individuals who continue to resort to violence,” Lt. Gen. Gumiran said.
WESTMINCOM said the operation forms part of its sustained campaign against remaining terrorist organizations in the region.
In recent months, WESTMINCOM forces have also neutralized several high-value leaders of local terrorist groups and the Communist Terrorist Group, including Emarudin Kulaw alias “Alpha King,” leader of the Dawlah Islamiyah-Hassan Group; Amerol Mangoranca alias “Usman,” leader of the Dawlah Islamiyah-Maute Group; and Anthony Narvasa alias “Magaw,” secretary of the Communist Terrorist Group’s Far South Mindanao Regional Committee.
The command said these successive operations have significantly weakened the leadership and operational capabilities of the threat groups.
Gumiran also renewed his call for remaining members of the BIFF, Dawlah Islamiyah, the Communist Terrorist Group, and other lawless armed groups to abandon violence, surrender peacefully, and return to the fold of the law.
He said the government remains ready to assist those who choose the path of peace through existing reintegration and support programs.
He likewise urged the public to continue supporting peace and security efforts by remaining vigilant, cooperating with authorities, and providing timely information that could help locate the remaining members of these groups.
WESTMINCOM reaffirmed its commitment to conducting focused, intelligence-driven, law-based, and community-supported operations in close coordination with the PNP, local government units, and partner agencies to ensure the safety, security, and continued development of communities across Western Mindanao.