14/07/2025
πππππππππ πππππππππ ππππππ ππ ππππ ππ ππππππ ππππππππππ ππ πππππ πππ πππππ
CAMP ALAGAR, Cagayan de Oro City - Police Regional Office 10 (PRO10) recovered suspected improvised explosive device (IED) components believed to be remnants of terrorist activities once linked to the late DI Maute Group member, alias βEsmael,β in Kauswagan, Lanao del Norte, on the evening of July 11, 2025.
At around 5:50 PM, joint elements of the 1005th Maneuver Company, Regional Mobile Force Battalion 10 (RMFB 10), in coordination with the Kauswagan Municipal Police Station, 1002nd MC RMFB 10, 11th Special Action Company (1st SAB), and DI-MAPIO, conducted an intelligence-driven internal security operation under 08-2025 βOPLAN EKRIKTIKAβ in Purok 3, Brgy. Tugar, Kauswagan.
During the operation, the troops located an abandoned hut that matched the description of a site believed to have been used by the late βEsmaelβ as a storage location for explosive components. Upon inspection, they discovered PVC pipes and bottles containing suspected ANFO; several Samsung keypad mobile phones with attached wires; commercial blasting caps and detonating cords; assorted solid wires, packaging materials, and electrical tapes; two upper garment Battle Dress Attires (BDAs); an estimated 4 to 5 kilograms of suspected ANFO stored in a black plastic
The information regarding the presence of IED components in the area was revealed by a captured member of the DI-Maute Group, alias βKurtobi,β who was arrested on June 29, 2025, during the service of a warrant of arrest against βEsmael.β During the operation, βEsmaelβ opened fire on the authorities, prompting them to return fire, which resulted in his death.
βKurtobi,β an associate of the deceased, disclosed that βEsmaelβ had prepared and buried the IED components near the abandoned hut as part of a plot to bomb an NGCP tower. This information was later confirmed by a confidential informant, who also verified the presence of the buried explosive materials in the area.
The recovered items are now under the custody of the Lanao del Norte Provincial Explosive and Canine Unit (LDN PECU) for proper disposition.
PBGEN ROLINDO M SUGUILON, Regional Director, PRO10, commended the collaborative effort of the operating units in ensuring the safety of communities in Northern Mindanao.
βThe recovery of these explosive components has once again disrupted the operational capability of local terror remnants in the region. This is a result of our relentless campaign to protect our people from any form of threat. I commend our men on the ground for their dedication and bravery,β he said.
He further urged the public to continue cooperating with authorities and report any suspicious individuals or activities that may compromise peace and security in the region. # # #
SOURCE: RPIO PRO10