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DCPO honors SAF 44 heroism; Mamasapano survivor shares heartfelt tribute

by Rhoda Grace Saron
written by Rhoda Grace Saron

THE DAVAO City Police Office (DCPO) on Sunday honored the heroism and sacrifice of the 44 Special Action Force (SAF) commandos during a solemn commemoration at the DCPO Headquarters.

Under the leadership of acting director Col. Mannan Muarip, the ceremony marked the 11th anniversary of the Jan. 25, 2015, mission in Mamasapano, Maguindanao, where the elite officers lost their lives while neutralizing an international terrorist to safeguard national security.

PEMS Arnil L. Ruiz, a survivor of the Mamasapano encounter, delivered a tribute for his fallen comrades.

“I stand here to honor my fallen comrades whose courage and sacrifice will forever be etched in our nation’s history,” Ruiz said. “They gave their lives not for recognition, but for the peace and security of our people. Their heroism reminds us that true service means being ready to give everything—even life itself.”

Muarip echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that the SAF 44’s legacy serves as a blueprint for the current police force.

“Their courage beyond measure continues to inspire every police officer to uphold discipline, integrity, and dedication in protecting our people,” Muarip added. “May their legacy remind us that true heroism is defined by selfless devotion to duty and country.”

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No terror cell

by Rhoda Grace Saron
written by Rhoda Grace Saron
  • Military denies IS training ground in Davao, Mindanao

THE EASTERN Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) on Wednesday debunked reports about the existence of a terrorist training ground in Davao City or Mindanao.

During the Davao Peace and Security press briefing at The Royal Mandaya Hotel, Lt. Col. Salvacion Evangelista, EastMinCom spokesperson, told reporters that military intelligence has no record of such an activity.

“While it remains part of our monitoring, we only see such things on TV. On the part of the military, there is no report on that,” Evangelista said. “We can assure you that the Eastern Mindanao Command area is free from these terrorists.” 

The military released a statement following the revelation by Australian counterterrorism experts that the slain Sajid Akram, 50, and Naveed Akram, 24, recently traveled to the Philippines for training under the Islamic State.

They were tagged in deadly mass shootings in Bondi Beach, Sydney, which killed 16.

Police investigation into Sydney shooting suspects

While the military maintains there are no training camps, the Police Regional Office (PRO) XI is actively investigating the recent movements of two terror suspects.

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) confirmed on Tuesday that the father-and-son duo were in the Philippines from Nov. 1 to Nov. 28, 2025.

Major Catherine Dela Rey, spokesperson for PRO XI, said that while the duo declared Davao as their final destination, authorities are still verifying their actual presence in the city.

“We are validating if they indeed arrived in Davao, where they stayed, who they met with, or if they merely passed through to another part of Mindanao,” Dela Rey said. “The intelligence division is coordinating with other agencies because this concerns the entire Philippines, not just Davao.”

Timeline of suspects’ visit

According to BI records and sources, the suspects’ itinerary was as follows:

  • Nov. 1: Arrived at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) from Sydney and immediately flew to Davao.
  • Nov. 1–28: Alleged stay in the Philippines (Current investigation site).
  • Nov. 28: Departed via a connecting flight from Davao to Manila, then back to Sydney.

Despite the suspects’ presence in the region prior to the attack, Dela Rey assured the public that there is currently no active threat in Davao.

“Right now, we don’t have any threat. We are trying our best to avoid that through the ‘Culture of Security’ where the community reports anything suspicious,” she said.

She also said the PRO XI sees no need to increase troop deployment. 

“The region is very peaceful. We would like to end 2025 with this status, through the cooperation of the community and other law enforcement agencies,” Dela Rey concluded.

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Top Dawlah Islamiyah leader and bomb expert killed in Maguindanao operation

by Rhoda Grace Saron
written by Rhoda Grace Saron

THE MILITARY announced a major victory against terrorism after the highest-ranking leader and bomb expert of the Dawlah Islamiyah–Hassan Group (DI-HG) was killed in an operation in Barangay Satan, Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao del Sur, on Dec. 7, 2025.

Brigadier General Edgar L. Catu, commander of the 601st Unifier Brigade, identified the slain terrorist as Ustads Mohammad Usman Solaiman, who served as the Amir of the DI-HG.

Solaiman was also known as a highly skilled bomb maker and is the nephew of notorious terrorist Basit Usman, who previously manufactured explosives for the BIFF–Special Operations Group and had connections with the Abu Sayyaf and Jemaah Islamiya.

Solaiman is the brother of Ustadz Kamaro Usman, another DI-HG member killed in March 2020 alongside former BIFF–Karialan Faction commander Kumander Badi.

The military revealed that Solaiman and his companion, Norodin Hassan alias Andot (Amir for Military Affairs of DI-HG), were the remaining top followers of former leader Abu Azim, who was killed in Mamasapano in December 2021.

Responsible for Mindanao Bombings:

Solaiman’s group is considered to be behind a series of violent attacks across Mindanao, including:

  • The bombing of a Rural Bus on April 24, 2022, in Parang, Maguindanao.
  • The consecutive bombings targeting Yellow Bus Line buses on May 26, 2022, in Koronadal City and Tacurong City.
  • Another attack on a Yellow Bus Line bus on November 6, 2022, in Barangay New Isabela, Tacurong City.
  • The Husky Bus bombings on April 17, 2023, at the Isulan Integrated Terminal.
  • The ambush of soldiers in Barangay Tuayan, Datu Hoffer Ampatuan.
  • The brutal killing of three civilian goat traders from Batangas.

The military continues to pursue the remaining members of the terrorist group.

Catu credited the operation’s success to crucial intelligence provided by residents.

“The cooperation of the people paved the way for identifying the movements and location of the group. Because of this, the operation against the Dawlah Islamiya leader was successfully carried out,” the official stated.

Major General Jose Vladimir R. Cagara, commander of the 6th Infantry (Kampilan) Division and Joint Task Force Central (JTF Central), commended the 601st Brigade’s swift and effective operation and the unwavering support of the residents.

“This success shows that when the community and our soldiers, together with other government security forces, unite, no terrorist can hide from the law. We are very grateful to our citizens for their continuous provision of accurate information to your JTF Central,” Cagara said.

“I also urge the remaining members of the Dawlah Islamiya to surrender their weapons. The government is ready to help you start a new life with your families. The door to peace is always open for those ready to change,” he added.

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DCPO, 400 Muslim leaders convened to combat extremism

by Rhoda Grace Saron
written by Rhoda Grace Saron

THE DAVAO City Police Office (DCPO) gathered 400 participants for a two-day forum titled “Oneness of Muslim Ummah and Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism and Terrorism,” at Camp Domingo Leonor along San Pedro Street from Oct. 18 to 19.

Acting DCPO director Col Mannan C. Muarip and BGen Joseph R. Arguelles, Police Regional Office XI chief, spearheaded the initiative, which falls under Oplan Amanah—a peace advocacy program focused on promoting trust, compassion, and responsibility—values rooted in the Islamic concept of trust.

The forum convened representatives from various Muslim tribes across the region, alongside key figures from law enforcement, including Lt Col Harold A. Ho, executive officer of Task Force Davao, and local government representatives.

In his address, Muarip underscored the critical role of community engagement in maintaining security. 

Drawing on his experience, he recounted the founding of the Salaam Police, a unit established to foster peace and understanding within Muslim communities.

Muarip also provided a historical overview of terrorism in the Philippines, emphasizing that community vigilance and timely reporting to authorities are crucial in preventing acts of violence.

The forum served as a platform for dialogue, education, and solidarity, reinforcing the collective responsibility of both law enforcement and the Muslim community in building a safer, more inclusive society.

The DCPO reaffirmed its commitment to the program, stating that the event highlighted the importance of being true and caring to others—the core principles of Oplan Amanah.

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