Army Recovers Arms Cache from Terror Group in Maguindanao Sur

Government forces recovered high-powered firearms, ammunition, and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) from the hideout of the Paneneklan Group, a private armed group linked to the Islamic State-inspired Dawla Islamiya-Hassan Group (DI-HG), during a military operation in Mamasapano, Maguindanao del Sur on Tuesday, July 21, 2026. (Photo courtesy of 6th Infantry Division Public Affairs Office) COTABATO CITY – Government forces running after an armed group accused of harassing civilian communities and government troops in Maguindanao del Sur recovered high-powered firearms, ammunition, and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) during a military operation on Tuesday, July 21, military officials said. Lt. Col. Edgardo Batinay, commander of the 34th Infantry Battalion, led state forces in pursuing the armed group beginning at 7 a.m. in Barangay Tukanalipao, the same village where the 40 elite police personnel were killed during an operation against Zulkifli bin Hir, a Malaysian terror suspect, in 2015. The military launched the intelligence-driven operation in response to a series of bombing incidents, harassment attacks, and ambushes allegedly perpetrated by the Paneneklan Group, a private armed group, in Maguindanao del Sur. This was the first time the military named the group. READ: Army links fresh Maguindanao attacks to antiterror operations Acting on information provided by a civilian regarding the group’s hideout, government forces located the encampment and recovered five high-powered firearms, assorted magazines, ammunition, and several improvised explosive devices. However, nobody was found in the lair during the operation. Military authorities identified the Paneneklan Group as “a lawless armed group with alleged links to the Dawlah Islamiyah-Hassan Group (DI-HG).” The DI-HG has been associated with the possession of high-powered firearms, the use of IEDs, and other activities that pose security threats in the region. Despite no terrorist being neutralized or arrested, Brig. Gen. Edgar Catu, commander of the 601st Infantry Brigade, credited the operation’s success to the cooperation of civilians in supporting peace and security efforts. “The recovery of these firearms and explosive devices is a significant blow to the operational capability of the armed group to carry out violent activities and threaten communities, especially with the upcoming elections,” Catu said. Elections are to take place in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao on September 14, including in Maguindanao del Sur where the lawless elements operate. He added that military operations would continue until the remaining members of the armed group are arrested and brought to justice. Maj. Gen. Jose Vladimir Cagara, commander of the 6th Infantry Division and Joint Task Force Central, commended the troops for the successful operation. “This successful operation reflects the high level of readiness, professionalism, and dedication of our soldiers in fulfilling their mandate. Every firearm and IED recovered represents lives saved and communities protected,” Cagara said. He stressed that the military would sustain aggressive intelligence-driven operations while strengthening coordination with local government units, law enforcement agencies, and the public to eliminate terrorism threats and ensure peaceful and secure elections. /mr