By Edwin Fernandez

TERROR SUSPECT. Police operatives in Rajah Buayan, Maguindanao del Sur, account for the seized items, including a firearm and suspected shabu, after an operation on Monday (Sept. 29, 2025). The police were serving six warrants of arrest against the suspect, who was killed after resisting arrest and opening fire. (Photo courtesy of Maguindanao del Sur provincial police office)

KORONADAL CITY – A suspected member of the Dawlah Islamiyah terrorist group was killed after resisting arrest during the serving of six warrants in Maguindanao del Sur on Monday afternoon.

Captain Joel Lebrilla, municipal police chief of Rajah Buayan, identified the fatality as Moner Usman, a resident of Barangay Darampua, Sultan sa Barongis. 

Citing intelligence information, Lebrilla said Usman belonged to the Dawlah Islamiya Hassa Group operating in the province and nearby areas.

Lebrilla said Usman quickly pulled his home-made Uzi machine pistol and opened fire on the approaching lawmen during the 4 p.m. operation in Barangay Sapakan, Rajah Buayan.

“He sensed the presence of lawmen and opened fire, forcing police to return fire,” Lebrilla said in a radio interview. 

Usman died on the spot. One police officer was injured and is now recuperating in a hospital.

Police were armed with six warrants of arrest against Usman for murder and frustrated murder. 

Seized from him were the homemade Uzi machine pistol, ammunition and suspected shabu (methamphetamine hydrochloride). (PNA)