L'armée a récupéré des armes du groupe terroriste à Maguindanao Sur

Army forces successfully dismantled a suspected terror-linked armed group in Maguindanao del Sur, recovering a cache of weapons and explosives during a targeted operation on Tuesday, July 21, 2026. The operation, conducted in Barangay Tukanalipao, targeted the Paneneklan Group, a private armed organization reportedly connected to the Islamic State-affiliated Dawlah Islamiyah-Hassan Group (DI-HG). Military officials confirmed the seizure of five high-powered rifles, numerous rounds of ammunition, and several improvised explosive devices (IEDs) during the raid. No individuals were apprehended at the site. The operation, led by Lt. Col. Edgardo Batinay of the 34th Infantry Battalion, followed months of escalating violence attributed to the Paneneklan Group. The group has been implicated in a string of bombings, ambushes, and harassment attacks targeting both civilian populations and security forces in the region. This marked the first official identification of the Paneneklan Group by military authorities, underscoring its growing threat to regional stability. The operation began at approximately 7 a.m., drawing upon intelligence gathered from a civilian informant who had provided critical details about the group's hidden base. The location of the raid holds historical significance, as it is the same village where 40 elite police officers were killed during a previous operation against Zulkifli bin Hir, a Malaysian-based terror suspect, in 2015. The recent action by the army comes amid heightened concerns over security ahead of the scheduled elections in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, set for September 14. Military commanders emphasized that the recovery of weapons and explosives significantly undermines the group’s ability to conduct further attacks and destabilize the area. Brig. Gen. Edgar Catu, head of the 601st Infantry Brigade, praised the operation as a major setback for the Paneneklan Group. He noted that although no arrests were made, the removal of the arsenal disrupts the group’s capacity to engage in violent acts. “This is a significant blow to the operational capability of the armed group,” Catu stated, highlighting the importance of the operation in safeguarding communities ahead of the polls. He reiterated that military efforts will persist until all members of the group are captured and held accountable. Maj. Gen. Jose Vladimir Cagara, commanding officer of the 6th Infantry Division and Joint Task Force Central, expressed confidence in the performance of his troops. He described the operation as a demonstration of the army’s preparedness and commitment to maintaining security. “Every firearm and IED recovered represents lives saved and communities protected,” he remarked. Cagara also underscored the necessity of sustained intelligence-led actions and enhanced collaboration with local governments, law enforcement, and the public to combat terrorism effectively. The military plans to maintain pressure on the Paneneklan Group through continued operations aimed at disrupting its activities and dismantling its infrastructure. With the approaching elections, security forces remain vigilant, ensuring that potential threats are neutralized before they can impact the democratic process. The operation in Maguindanao del Sur stands as a key step in the broader effort to restore safety and order in the region.