Philippines: Security forces kill 10 suspected militants in biggest encounter of 2026 so far

Manila: Security forces killed 10 suspected Muslim militants in the Philippines’ biggest gunfight so far this year, on Friday in the country’s south, a region long plagued by separatist violence.

According to officials, the encounter began when the army and police arrived in a village to arrest a militant commander. Suspected militants belonging to a group called “Daulah Islamia-Maute” suddenly opened fire. The exchange of fire lasted for about an hour. Commander Amerol Mangoranka, along with 10 militants, including four women, were killed in the operation. It is a matter of relief that no government personnel were harmed in the encounter.

Army officials say Mangoranka and his associates have been involved in several previous attacks. The same group was also suspected of being behind an ambush that killed four soldiers in January. Following the encounter, security forces recovered four rifles, a pistol, a grenade, and bomb-making materials. An infant was also found at the scene and was immediately rushed for medical treatment. However, no further details have been released about the infant.

A Muslim separatist movement has raged in the southern Philippines for decades. However, the situation improved significantly after the Moro Islamic Liberation Front peace agreement in 2014. Under this agreement, the major militant groups surrendered their weapons and embraced peace. However, some smaller groups did not participate and continue to launch periodic attacks.

A senior army officer said the operation was a major success against terrorism and would help restore peace in the region. However, experts believe the region will remain a threat until all smaller militant groups are completely eliminated.