Four suspected members of local terrorist group were killed in a gun battle in Barira, Maguindanao del Norte on Monday, March 17, 2025.

According to the 6th Infantry Division (6ID), the four, including a high value individual, were alleged members of Dawlah Islamiyah.

6ID said the troops of the Marine Battalion Landing Team (MBLT-2) and 65th Force Recon Company engaged several members of the terrorist group in an armed encounter. The group was led by alias “Alpha King,” sub-leader of the Dawlah Islamiyah-Hassan Group.

Alpha King’s son identified as alias “Pudin” was killed during the encounter. Also killed were alias “Abu Saiden,” alias “Abdullah,” and one other who has yet to be identified.

Seized from the clash site were several war materials, including two M16 rifles, a caliber .45 pistol, ammunition, gadgets, anti-personnel mines, and other belongings.

Brigadier General Romulo Quemado II, commander of the 1st Marine Brigade, said they will continue the operations against terrorism to ensure peace and order in the region.

“Ang tagumpay na ito ay patunay ng patuloy na dedikasyon ng ating kasundaluhan sa pagsugpo sa mga banta sa seguridad ng ating bayan. Hindi tayo titigil hangga’t hindi nagpapatuloy ang banta ng terorismo sa ating lugar,” Quemado said.

6ID commander, Major General Donald Gumiran, also lauded the troops for the successful operation and called on the remaining members of the local terrorist group to surrender.

“Sa halip na magpatuloy sa walang saysay na karahasan, mas makabubuti kung kayo’y magbalik-loob sa pamahalaan at mamuhay nang mapayapa. Nandito ang ating gobyerno upang kayo ay tulungan at bigyan ng bagong pagkakataon para sa mas magandang kinabukasan,” Gumiran said.