Emarudin Kulaw, the long-wanted emir of the Dawlah Islamiya-Hassan Group, was killed in a firefight with government troops in Banisilan, Cotabato. Authorities reported that Kulaw died instantly after sustaining multiple gunshot wounds during the clash. (Contributed Photo)
KORONADAL CITY, Philippines โ Information from local officials and residents helped government troops track down and kill a faction leader of the extremist group Dawlah Islamiya during an operation in Banisilan, Cotabato, on Sunday morning, March 8.
The operation in Barangay Tinimbacan resulted in the death of Emarudin Kulaw, identified by authorities as the โemir,โ or leader, of the Dawlah IslamiyaโHassan group.
Military officials said the mission was launched after community members reported Kulawโs presence in a secluded area of the village.
Major General Jose Vladimir Cagara, commander of the 6th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army, said soldiers were initially sent to arrest Kulaw but encountered resistance.
Combined troops from the 601st and 602nd Infantry Brigades approached the suspected hideout from two directions, prompting a brief firefight that left Kulaw dead, according to the military.
Residents said Kulawโs four companions fled after soldiers opened fire.
Cagara said the operation was made possible through the vigilance of local leaders and civilians who alerted authorities about the militantโs presence.
โOur success in this operation was largely due to the cooperation of local government officials and residents who reported Kulawโs location,โ he said.
Cagaraโs immediate superior, Lieutenant General Donald Gumiran, chief of the Western Mindanao Command, said the military continues to rely on strong community partnerships to counter extremist groups operating in parts of Mindanao.
Local officials in Cotabato and neighboring provinces in the Bangsamoro region, including Maguindanao del Sur and Maguindanao del Norte, said Kulaw had been facing more than 20 criminal cases, including multiple murder, destructive arson, and extortion.
Authorities also described Kulaw as skilled in assembling improvised explosive devices using ammonium nitrate or potassium chlorate. These devices are rigged with mechanisms that can be remotely detonated using mobile phones.
The military said Kulaw was neutralized after refusing to surrender peacefully.
Security officials said the case highlights the growing role of community support in efforts to dismantle terror networks in Central Mindanao.
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