Yusa Ganoy, a high-ranking sub-leader of the Dawlah Islamiya (DI), was killed along with three armed escorts during a police and military operation in Sultan Mastura, Maguindanao del Norte, on Friday.
Operation Details and Context
The law enforcement team moved into the area to serve six active warrants of arrest against Ganoy.
CIDG Regional Field Unit
The operation was executed around 3:30 p.m. in Sitio Masagana, Barangay Tapayan, when officers attempted to serve multiple warrants, including charges for arson and violations of the Anti-Terrorism Act.
Ganoy, also known as 'Minimi' and 'Commander Usa', was listed as the fourth most wanted person in Maguindanao del Sur. His group has a notorious history of violent acts, including bombings and targeted killings.
- Warrants included charges for double murder and qualified direct assault.
- The law enforcement teams were led by the CIDG and supported by elite units from the PNP Special Action Force.
As officers approached, Ganoy and his escorts opened fire, prompting a swift retaliatory response from the law enforcement team, resulting in all four suspects being neutralized.
Following the encounter, authorities recovered weapons including a high-powered assault rifle, three .45-caliber pistols, and an improvised explosive device.
The operation was part of ongoing efforts to dismantle the DI network in Mindanao, with security forces aggressively pursuing wanted members of the militant group.
While Ganoy's death is seen as a tactical victory, it remains uncertain how it will affect the operational capabilities of Dawlah Islamiya moving forward.