SULTAN MASTURA, Maguindanao del Norte — A wanted commander of the Dawlah Islamiyah-Hassan Group and three of his companions were killed Friday afternoon, October 16, after allegedly opening fire on a joint military and police team that had come to serve his arrest warrants in Barangay Tapayan, the Army's 6th Infantry Division (6ID) said.
The 6ID identified the slain militant leader as Yusa Ganoy, also known by the alias "Minimi." His three companions had not yet been identified as of the 6ID's report.
How the Firefight Unfolded in Barangay Tapayan
According to the 6ID, the operation was a support-to-law-enforcement mission involving units of the 1st Marine Brigade, the 2nd Marine Battalion, and the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group–Regional Field Unit Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (CIDG-RFU BAR), alongside other government forces.
The joint team had arrived to execute standing arrest warrants against Ganoy. At approximately 2:25 p.m., the 6ID said, Ganoy and his companions allegedly resisted arrest and opened fire on government forces, who then returned fire.
The exchange of gunfire lasted about five minutes, the 6ID said, and ended with all four suspects dead. Four firearms were recovered at the scene, according to the military.
Weapons and Evidence Recovered at the Scene
The CIDG provided a more detailed inventory of items seized at the scene. Police reports listed the recovered items as one assault rifle, three .45-caliber pistols, and an improvised explosive device (IED).
The CIDG described Ganoy as a sub-leader of the Dawlah Islamiyah-Hassan Group operating under the so-called Alpha King faction, which authorities have linked to bombings in Isulan, Sultan Kudarat, and to killings and arson in Maguindanao del Sur.
Criminal Charges Ganoy Was Facing
Ganoy carried a lengthy list of pending charges at the time of his death. According to the 6ID, these included destructive arson, direct assault, multiple frustrated murder, double murder, qualified direct assault with multiple attempted murder, and violation of the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020.
6ID Commander Cites Law Enforcement Commitment
Brigadier General Ricky P. Bunayog, acting commander of the 6ID, said the operation reflected the government's sustained effort to enforce the law and hold accountable those facing serious criminal charges.
"The 6ID remains committed to maintaining peace and security in our area of responsibility, while ensuring that every operation is carried out in accordance with the law and with full respect for human rights," Bunayog said.
Bunayog also underscored the value of coordination between Armed Forces of the Philippines units and other law enforcement agencies in protecting communities across the region.
Ganoy's Earlier Attack on a Police Detachment
Authorities have named Ganoy before. In August 2023, Bangsamoro regional police attributed an attack on a police detachment in Datu Salibo, Maguindanao del Sur — which wounded three policemen — to a Dawlah Islamiyah-Hassan Group unit under his command.
DI-Hassan Group Loses Several Leaders in Recent Months
The group has lost several leaders in recent months. Military and police reported the killing of group leader Mohammad Usman Solaiman in Shariff Aguak in December 2025, followed by the death of another leader, Marhum Esmael, in an operation in August 2026.
The account of the October 16 encounter is based on statements from the military and police.
Photo credit: Photo courtesy of the Armed Forces of the Philippines