A coordinated military-police operation resulted in the elimination of ten Dawlah Islamiyah–Maute Group (DI-MG) terrorists, including a prominent commander, during law enforcement activities in Barangay Banga-Pantar, Marantao, Lanao del Sur on April 17, 2026.
The pre-dawn operation by Joint Task Force ZAMPELAN elements, working alongside Philippine National Police units under Western Mindanao Command supervision, aimed to serve outstanding arrest warrants against multiple DI-Maute operatives when armed confrontation erupted.
Among the fatalities was Amerol Mangoranca, known by his alias “Usman,” identified as a significant DI-Maute Group commander. The remaining nine eliminated terrorists were wanted for various serious crimes including Murder, Frustrated Homicide, Homicide, Kidnapping, and Serious Illegal Detention.
Stay informed with our free weekly newsletter. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
Connection to Deadly January Attack Confirmed
Military intelligence confirmed the neutralized terrorists participated in the fatal January 23, 2026 ambush in Munai, Lanao del Sur, which killed four government soldiers. The group had been actively planning additional violent operations targeting security forces and civilian populations across the region.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines emphasized that this operation advances ongoing counter-terrorism campaigns throughout Western Mindanao. The successful warrant implementation reflects government determination to pursue justice against perpetrators of terrorist violence through established legal procedures.
Government forces sustained zero casualties during the armed encounter, demonstrating effective tactical coordination between participating military and police personnel.
Extensive Weapons Arsenal Seized
Post-engagement clearing operations yielded significant firearms and military equipment from the eliminated terrorists. Recovered weapons included two M16 assault rifles, one M4 carbine, one M1 Garand rifle, and one .38-caliber revolver.
Security personnel also confiscated one fragmentation grenade plus improvised explosive device components, preventing these materials from deployment in planned attacks against government installations or civilian areas.
The substantial weapons cache validates intelligence assessments regarding DI-Maute Group combat capabilities and confirms their continued capacity for conducting armed operations against security forces and local communities.
Baby Victim Rescued and Evacuated
Government troops rescued an injured infant discovered during the encounter site clearing process. Military medics immediately provided emergency care before evacuating the child to appropriate medical facilities for comprehensive treatment.
The infant rescue demonstrates military adherence to international humanitarian protocols and commitment to civilian protection, especially vulnerable children present in terrorist-controlled areas.
Healthcare professionals continue providing necessary medical attention to ensure the child recovers from injuries sustained during the incident.
Command Leadership Praise for Personnel
Lieutenant General Donald M. Gumiran, Western Mindanao Command leader, publicly recognized the exemplary performance of Joint Task Force ZAMPELAN under Major General Yegor Rey P. Barroquillo Jr., alongside participating Philippine National Police components.
Lt. Gen. Gumiran highlighted the exceptional professionalism, bravery, and dedication displayed by all participating personnel throughout the demanding mission. He noted the operation demonstrates successful inter-agency collaboration in confronting terrorist challenges.
The command leader provided public reassurance that comprehensive security protocols remain active to safeguard regional communities from terrorist threats.
Strategic Intelligence-Based Approach
Lt. Gen. Gumiran stressed that all military operations follow legal guidelines and intelligence-driven methodologies, executed through close partnership with civilian agencies and local government representatives. This framework ensures counter-terrorism activities respect constitutional principles while achieving maximum operational impact.
The elimination of key DI-Maute leadership validates sustained intelligence collection efforts and strategic operational planning in dismantling terrorist organizations throughout Mindanao.
Security forces maintain active collaboration with community leaders and municipal officials to identify remaining terrorist elements and prevent organizational reconstruction.
Regional Security Mission Continues
Western Mindanao Command renewed its dedication to maintaining targeted operations protecting local populations, supporting legal institutions, and blocking terrorist group resurgence across Western Mindanao provinces.
Military leadership confirmed operations will persist against surviving DI-Maute members and affiliated terrorist organizations threatening regional peace and stability. Government commitment remains firm to eliminate terrorist dangers through integrated military-police responses.
The April 17 engagement delivers substantial damage to DI-Maute Group operational strength, especially through eliminating experienced leaders like “Usman” who coordinated attacks against security personnel.
Historical Context of DI-Maute Activities
The Dawlah Islamiyah–Maute Group achieved global notoriety during 2017’s Marawi City siege, when the organization and allied terrorist groups controlled significant urban areas for five months. Following Islamic State allegiance declarations, the group maintained security threats across Mindanao despite extensive military campaigns.
The terrorist organization has conducted multiple attacks targeting government personnel and civilians, employing guerrilla warfare methods and improvised explosives throughout Lanao provincial areas.
Security forces have maintained continuous operations against remaining DI-Maute elements since Marawi siege conclusion, securing considerable success in reducing organizational capabilities and eliminating leadership figures.
Stay informed — get Negros Oriental news weekly
Free newsletter, no spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
- 01
- 02
- 03
- 04
