Two local terrorists were killed, and two of their wounded comrades were captured in an encounter with government troops in Barangay Libutan, Mamasapano, Maguindanao del Sur.
The 6th Infantry (Redskin) Battalion, 33rd Infantry (Makabayan) Battalion, and other operating units under the 601st Infantry (Unifier) Brigade launched decisive military operations against members of the Dawlah Islamiyah – Hassan Group at around 1:00 AM on Sunday, June 22, 2025.
The operation was initiated after troops received intelligence about the gathering of local terrorists planning to sow violence by planting improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in crowded areas.
During the operation, two terrorists were killed. They are identified as Tahir Salim Suweb, 41, a resident of Barangay Baka, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte, and Benladin Adi Kamid, 23, from Macasampen, Guindulungan, Maguindanao del Sur.
Two of their wounded companions were also captured and immediately brought to separate public hospitals by soldiers for medical treatment.
Seized at the encounter site were two M16A1 rifles, a caliber .45 pistol, IED components, an unexploded ordnance (UXO), various cellphones, a Bushnell monocular scope, a damaged bipod, communication equipment, and a female clutch bag containing fake IDs.
Brigadier General Edgar Catu, Commander of the 601st Infantry Brigade, directed his troops to intensify their pursuit of other members of the group who fled the encounter.
“We will not stop pursuing the remaining members of this group. The killed terrorists, the wounded captives, and their fleeing companions were directly involved in the killing of three businessmen from Batangas, whose bodies were found in Barangay Nabundas, Shariff Saydona Mustapha on May 30, as well as in other robberies and civilian killings to fund their logistical needs. Additionally, they were the primary suspects in the ambush of our troops in Datu Hoffer last March, which resulted in the death of four soldiers,” Catu revealed.
Major General Donald Gumiran, Commander of the 6th Infantry Division and Joint Task Force Central (JTFC), commended the swift response of government forces, which thwarted the terrorists’ planned sabotage in Central Mindanao.
“Once again, we have saved many innocent civilian lives. Through the prompt action of our troops, the local terrorists’ plan to spread violence in this peaceful area of Mindanao was foiled. We will not succumb to their intimidation. This success is for the peace and security of our fellow citizens,” Gumiran said.