A wanted sub-leader of the Dawlah Islamiya Hassan Group and his three escorts were killed in a manhunt operation in Barangay Tapayan, Sultan Mastura, Maguindanao del Norte, on October 16, the Philippine National Police (PNP) reported.

The suspect, listed as the No. 4 provincial-level most wanted person in Maguindanao del Sur, was allegedly involved in bombing incidents in Isulan, Sultan Kudarat, as well as killings, arson, and other atrocities.

According to the PNP, the suspect and his three male escorts allegedly opened fire on the operating team, prompting police to return fire in self-defense.

Authorities recovered an assault rifle, three .45-caliber pistols, and an improvised explosive device (IED) during clearing operations.