Ten members of the Dawlah Islamiyah–Maute Group (DI-MG), including a key leader, were neutralized during a joint military-police operation in Barangay Banga-Pantar, Marantao, Lanao del Sur in the early hours of April 17, 2026.
Government forces encountered armed resistance while serving multiple arrest warrants against the terrorist group, leading to a firefight that resulted in the death of Amerol Mangoranca, alias "Usman," identified as a leader of the DI-Maute Group, along with nine other members.
Operating elements of Joint Task Force ZAMPELAN under the Western Mindanao Command, AFP, coordinated with the Philippine National Police to conduct the law enforcement support operation. The targeted individuals faced charges for Murder, Frustrated Homicide, Homicide, Kidnapping, and Serious Illegal Detention.
January Ambush Perpetrators Identified
Authorities confirmed that the neutralized terrorists were responsible for the deadly ambush perpetrated on January 23, 2026, in Munai, Lanao del Sur, which claimed the lives of four government soldiers. The group had also been linked to other violent activities that posed serious threats to communities in the region.
According to the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the operation was part of ongoing efforts to dismantle terrorist networks operating in Western Mindanao. The lawful implementation of arrest warrants demonstrates the government's commitment to bringing perpetrators of violence to justice through proper legal channels.
No casualties were reported among government forces during the encounter, highlighting the tactical success of the coordinated operation between military and police units.
Significant Arms Cache Recovered
Following the firefight, troops conducted comprehensive clearing operations and recovered a substantial cache of firearms and war materiel from the neutralized terrorists. The recovered items included two M16 rifles, one M4 rifle, one M1 Garand rifle, and one caliber .38 revolver.
Security forces also seized one hand grenade and components for improvised explosive devices (IEDs), preventing these dangerous materials from being used in future terrorist attacks against civilian targets or government forces.
The recovery of such weapons underscores the continuing threat posed by the DI-Maute Group and validates intelligence reports about their capabilities to conduct armed attacks against government forces and civilian communities.
Infant Rescued During Operation
In a humanitarian aspect of the operation, government forces rescued a wounded infant found at the scene of the encounter. The child was immediately evacuated and brought to a medical facility for proper treatment and care.
The rescue highlights the military's adherence to international humanitarian law and its commitment to protecting innocent civilians, particularly children, who may be caught in areas where terrorist groups operate.
Medical personnel are providing appropriate care for the infant, ensuring the child receives necessary treatment following the traumatic incident.
Western Mindanao Command Leadership Response
Lieutenant General Donald M. Gumiran, Commander of the Western Mindanao Command, commended the heroic efforts of Joint Task Force ZAMPELAN under Major General Yegor Rey P. Barroquillo Jr., as well as the Philippine National Police units involved in the successful operation.
Lt. Gen. Gumiran praised the professionalism, courage, and commitment demonstrated by government forces in carrying out the complex mission. He emphasized that the operation exemplifies the effective coordination between military and police units in addressing terrorist threats.
The Western Mindanao Command chief assured the public that there is no cause for alarm, emphasizing that appropriate and proactive security measures remain in place to ensure the safety and security of communities throughout the region.
Intelligence-Driven Operations Continue
Lt. Gen. Gumiran highlighted that military operations remain law-based and intelligence-driven, conducted in close coordination with partner agencies and local government units. This approach ensures that counter-terrorism efforts respect legal frameworks while maximizing operational effectiveness.
The successful neutralization of DI-Maute leadership demonstrates the value of sustained intelligence gathering and careful operational planning in dismantling terrorist networks operating in Mindanao.
Government forces continue to work closely with local communities and government officials to gather intelligence on remaining terrorist elements and prevent the reconstitution of dismantled groups.
Commitment to Regional Security
The Western Mindanao Command reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining focused operations designed to protect communities, uphold the rule of law, and prevent the resurgence of terrorist groups in Western Mindanao.
Military officials emphasized that operations will continue targeting remaining DI-Maute elements and other terrorist groups that threaten peace and stability in the region. The government maintains its resolve to eliminate terrorist threats through coordinated military and police action.
The successful April 17 operation represents a significant blow to the DI-Maute Group's operational capabilities, particularly with the elimination of key leadership figures like "Usman" who had been orchestrating attacks against government forces.
Background on DI-Maute Threat
The Dawlah Islamiyah–Maute Group gained international attention during the 2017 siege of Marawi City, where the group, along with other terrorist organizations, occupied parts of the city for five months. The group pledged allegiance to the Islamic State and has continued to pose security challenges in Mindanao despite military operations.
The organization has been responsible for numerous attacks against government forces and civilians, utilizing guerrilla tactics and improvised explosive devices to conduct their operations throughout Lanao provinces.
Government forces have been conducting sustained operations against remaining DI-Maute elements since the conclusion of the Marawi siege, achieving significant success in degrading the group's capabilities and eliminating key leaders.
Photo credit: Photo courtesy of Armed Forces of the Philippines