Terrorists killed in Maguindanao and Sultan Kudarat during separate military operations, authorities confirmed on April 18, 2025, as the military ramped up counter-terror efforts in the region.
According to Brigadier General Romulo Quemado II, Commander of the 1st Marine Brigade, a clash occurred around 5:00 a.m. in Barangay Meti, Datu Blah Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte, resulting in the death of Norsaidie Samo Tato, a known member of the Tato Group, a criminal armed group operating in the area.
The operation was carried out by troops from the Marine Battalion Landing Team-5 (MBLT5), supported by the police and other security agencies.
Authorities recovered a range of weapons and equipment at the encounter site, including a shotgun, a Springfield Armory caliber .45 pistol, a scoped caliber .22 pistol, magazines, ammunition, a grenade, five handheld radios, two passports, and two identification cards.
Meanwhile, another encounter occurred later that day around 5:00 p.m. in Purok Patyog, Barangay Banali, Senator Ninoy Aquino, Sultan Kudarat, where a member of a communist terrorist group was killed by troops of the 7th Infantry (Tapat) Battalion under Lt. Col. Tristan Rey P. Vallescas.
Reports say local residents alerted authorities about the armed group’s presence, noting their extortion of farmers, businessmen, and even political candidates.
The 7IB troops responded swiftly, triggering the clash that resulted in the death of one CTG member and the recovery of an M16 rifle.
Brigadier General Michael A. Santos, Commander of the 603rd Infantry Brigade, assured the public that the military remains on full alert even as the nation observes Holy Week.
Major General Donald M. Gumiran, Commander of the 6th Infantry (Kampilan) Division and Joint Task Force Central (JTFC), praised the success of the twin operations.
“Buong puso kong pinupuri ang ating mga kasundaluhan mula sa MBLT-5 at 7IB sa kanilang maagap at epektibong pagkilos laban sa mga armadong grupo na patuloy na nagdudulot ng takot sa ating mga komunidad.”
(“I wholeheartedly commend our troops from MBLT-5 and 7IB for their swift and effective action against armed groups that continue to terrorize our communities.”)
“Ang mga tagumpay na ito ay sumasalamin sa mataas na antas ng propesyonalismo, dedikasyon, at sakripisyo ng ating kasundaluhan para sa kapayapaan at seguridad, bagamat karamihan sa kanila ay ginugunita ang panahon ng Semana Santa.”
(“These victories reflect the high level of professionalism, dedication, and sacrifice of our soldiers for peace and security, even as many of them observe Holy Week.”)
“Patuloy tayong magsusulong ng mga operasyong militar upang wakasan ang banta ng terorismo at matamo ang isang mapayapa at ligtas na rehiyon para sa lahat.”
(“We will continue to pursue military operations to end the threat of terrorism and achieve a peaceful and safe region for all.”)
Maj. Gen. Gumiran also extended condolences to the families of the slain suspects and renewed his call for remaining members of terrorist groups to surrender and live peacefully with their loved ones.