Military Operation Uncovers Terrorist Weapons Cache
Philippine Army troops successfully conducted a raid on a Dawlah Islamiya-Hassan Group (DI-HG) hideout in Maguindanao del Sur, recovering significant weapons and explosives during the operation. The military announced the successful mission on Saturday, November 29, 2025, following the Friday afternoon raid that took place without resistance from the terrorist group.
Details of the Recovered Weapons
According to Lieutenant Colonel Germen Legada, commander of the 33rd Infantry Battalion, the operation resulted in the recovery of an M-14 rifle, a caliber .45 pistol, and a grenade. The weapons were discovered around 12:30 p.m. on Friday, November 28, at the group's hideout located in Sitio Kulalo, Manungkaling village, Mamasapano, Maguindanao del Sur.
The raid proceeded smoothly as no members of the DI-HG were present at the location during the military operation. The absence of resistance allowed troops to thoroughly search and secure the area without incident.
Criminal Activities and Leadership
Military officials identified the group's leader as alias Marhom, who remains at large with his cohorts. Lieutenant Colonel Legada confirmed that Marhom and his group are considered the primary suspects in multiple heinous crimes across several municipalities in Maguindanao del Sur.
The criminal activities attributed to the DI-HG include the beheading of an Indigenous Peoples (IP) leader, the killing of three goat dealers, and the ambush of troops from the 40th Infantry Battalion in March 2024. These violent incidents have targeted both civilians and military personnel in the Datu Hoffer, Shariff Aguak, and Mamasapano areas.
Military Leadership Commends Operation
Brigadier General Edgar Catu, commander of the 601st Infantry Brigade, praised the successful operation conducted by the 33rd Infantry Battalion. He emphasized the unit's ongoing efforts to maintain peace and security throughout Central Mindanao.
"The recovery of the weapons is proof of the determination of our troops to stop groups that continue to attempt to harass and intimidate our people," Catu stated. He further affirmed the military's commitment: "We will not stop until these criminals are completely neutralized and peace is restored to the communities."
The operation represents another step in the Philippine military's continuous campaign against terrorist elements in the region, demonstrating their persistent efforts to dismantle armed groups and restore stability to affected communities.
