Authorities in Maguindanao del Norte report that an alleged BIFF-BF leader is killed during a joint military and police operation in Sultan Kudarat. The Army’s 6th Infantry Division spokesperson, Lt. Col. Ronald Suscano, says the operation took place around 2 a.m. on Sunday, July 5, in Barangay Calzada (also reported as Barangay Calsada). Brig. General Edgar Catu also links the killing to a warrant service.
Officials identify the slain man as Esmael Abubakar, alias “Commander Bungos,” describing him as a local terrorist leader allegedly responsible for attacks on civilians and military forces in the province. According to Suscano, the man was alone in his hideout and opened fire when law enforcement approached, leading to an armed clash.
The reports describe the operation as combined action involving soldiers and police, carried out to serve arrest warrants against the suspect. No additional details on casualties among authorities or civilians are included in the provided accounts.
