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.
