Five alleged members of the Dawlah Islamiyah (DI)-affiliated criminal group were killed in an armed encounter in Barangay Banco, Sultan Naga Dimaporo, Lanao del Norte on Wednesday, October 23, 2024.

Police and the military launched the Oplan Pagtugis, Oplan Paglalansag Omega, and Oplan Salikop against alias “Tonte,” alias “Lagbas,” and their companions, who were identified as members of the DI-inspired group allegedly involved in criminal activities, including kidnapping and serious illegal detention.

According to the Police Regional Office-Northern Mindanao (PRO-10), the suspects, armed reportedly with assault rifles, fired allegedly at the police and military personnel serving the arrest warrant.

Government troops returned fire, which resulted in the death of alias “Lagbas,” alias “Elum,” and three others.

Alias “Lagbas” had a standing arrest warrant for kidnapping and serious illegal detention.

Authorities also arrested alias “Rauf” and alias “Bucari,” who was wounded in the encounter, and is currently receiving treatment.

Police said alias “Rauf” was arrested for alleged violation of illegal possession of explosives (RA 9516) and Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act (RA 10591).

Several firearms and explosives, including two pistols; four M16A1 rifles; three M1 Garand rifles; four magazines; two fragmentation hand grenades; and various ammunition, were also confiscated.

“PRO10, along with military forces and other law enforcement agencies, is committed to ensuring the safety of the people and eliminating threats posed by criminal elements in the region. I urge the public to continue providing valuable information and to remain vigilant in reporting suspicious activities. To the operating units, keep up the good work,” PRO-10 Director, Brigadier General Jaysen de Guzman, said.