Government forces killed the leader of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF)-Bungos Faction in a predawn clash on Sunday, July 5, 2026, in Barangay Calsada, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao del Norte, the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) announced from its headquarters in Camp Navarro, Zamboanga City.
The slain leader was identified as Esmael Abubakar, alias "Bungos," chairman of the BIFF-Bungos Faction and described by WESTMINCOM as one of the region's most elusive local terrorist group figures. No government forces were reported killed or wounded in the engagement.
Multiple Warrants, Years of Evasion
According to WESTMINCOM, Abubakar was the subject of multiple standing warrants of arrest issued by competent courts for serious criminal offenses. These included murder, multiple attempted murder, multiple frustrated murder, and destructive arson.
His death ends what authorities described as a prolonged period of evasion that made him one of the most wanted figures among active armed groups operating in the Bangsamoro region.
Joint Forces Serve Warrants, Meet Armed Resistance
The operation was conducted by elements of the 601st Infantry (Unifier) Brigade under the 6th Infantry (Kampilan) Division and Joint Task Force Central, in coordination with the Maguindanao del Sur Police Provincial Office and other Philippine National Police units, WESTMINCOM said.
WESTMINCOM described the operation as a joint law enforcement action to serve the multiple court-issued warrants against Abubakar. As troops moved to serve the warrants, they encountered armed resistance from Abubakar's group, triggering a brief firefight that resulted in his death.
WESTMINCOM Commander Cites AFP-PNP Coordination
Lieutenant General Donald M. Gumiran, WESTMINCOM commander, commended the troops and police personnel involved in the operation. He also cited Major General Jose Vladimir R. Cagara, commander of the 6th Infantry (Kampilan) Division and Joint Task Force Central, and the Maguindanao del Sur police for their roles in the mission.
"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," Gumiran said.
Gumiran said the outcome demonstrated close coordination between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police, which he described as central to the command's operational approach in Western Mindanao.
Part of Sustained Campaign Against Armed Groups
WESTMINCOM said the neutralization of Abubakar is part of its sustained campaign against remaining terrorist organizations across the region. According to the command, similar operations in recent months have taken down several other high-value leaders.
Those neutralized include Emarudin Kulaw, alias "Alpha King," of the Dawlah Islamiyah-Hassan Group; Amerol Mangoranca, alias "Usman," of the Dawlah Islamiyah-Maute Group; and Anthony Narvasa, alias "Magaw," secretary of the Communist Terrorist Group's Far South Mindanao Regional Committee.
WESTMINCOM said it remains committed to focused, intelligence-driven, and community-supported operations conducted in coordination with the PNP, local government units, and partner agencies.
Gumiran Calls on Remaining Members to Surrender
In the wake of the operation, Gumiran renewed his appeal to remaining members of the BIFF, Dawlah Islamiyah, the Communist Terrorist Group, and other armed groups to abandon violence and surrender peacefully, according to the WESTMINCOM statement.
He noted that reintegration and support programs remain available to those who choose to return to civilian life. Gumiran also urged the public to stay vigilant, cooperate with authorities, and share timely information that could help locate the remaining members of these groups.
By the Numbers
- July 5, 2026 — date of the clash in Barangay Calsada, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao del Norte
- 4 criminal offense categories covered by Abubakar's standing warrants: murder, multiple attempted murder, multiple frustrated murder, and destructive arson
- 0 casualties reported on the government forces side
- 3 other high-value armed group leaders neutralized by WESTMINCOM in recent months prior to this operation
- 4 armed organizations called on to surrender: BIFF, Dawlah Islamiyah, Communist Terrorist Group, and other armed groups
Why This Matters
The killing of Esmael Abubakar removes the top leader of the BIFF-Bungos Faction, a group that WESTMINCOM has identified as among the active terrorist organizations operating in Western Mindanao. His death follows a string of successful operations against high-value targets from multiple armed groups, signaling continued pressure on organized armed factions in the Bangsamoro region. WESTMINCOM has stated that reintegration programs remain open, and public cooperation is being sought to pursue remaining members still at large.
Photo credit: Photo courtesy of WESTMINCOM/AFP Public Affairs