NBI Arrests Suspected Dawlah Islamiyah Member Linked to 2018 Bombing

NBI Arrests Suspected Dawlah Islamiyah Member Linked to 2018 Bombing

By Bing Jabadan – TheNATIONWEEK.com | February 26, 2026

MANILA, Philippines – The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) successfully apprehended an alleged member of the Dawlah Islamiyah Maguid terror group at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1 on February 25, 2026, for his alleged involvement in the 2018 General Santos City bombing.

The high-profile arrest, a testament to robust inter-agency and international cooperation, underscores the government’s relentless pursuit of individuals threatening national security.

The meticulously planned operation was spearheaded by the NBI–Central Mindanao Regional Office (NBI-CEMRO) in close coordination with the NBI–Sarangani District Office (NBI-SARDO). The success of the mission was further ensured by the seamless integration and operational precision of specialized NBI units, including the Intelligence Service, International Airport Investigation Division (NBI-IAID), Counter-Terrorism Division (NBI-CTD), and International Operations Division (NBI-IOD). Tactical support from the Philippine National Police (PNP), specifically its Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) and Intelligence Group, further amplified the efficacy of the law enforcement effort, demonstrating a unified and resolute front against both domestic and transnational threats.

The subject, whose identity is being withheld pending further investigation, was served a warrant of arrest issued by the Regional Trial Court Branch 23 of General Santos City for multiple counts of frustrated murder. These charges stem directly from the 2018 bombing incident in General Santos City, an act of terror attributed to remnants of the Dawlah Islamiyah–Maguid Group. Intelligence reports indicate the subject as a key personality, alleged to have played a central role in both the strategic planning and the execution of the improvised explosive device (IED) attack. The explosion tragically left eight civilians critically injured, including a three-year-old child, highlighting the indiscriminate and devastating nature of the attack.

Investigators revealed that the subject had attempted to evade prosecution by fleeing to the United States following the bombing. However, the global reach of justice prevailed. Following his detention by U.S. immigration authorities for violations of immigration laws, the subject was processed for deportation. Upon his arrival and immediate touchdown on Philippine soil, NBI agents were strategically positioned to effect his arrest, effectively closing a prolonged international pursuit.

This successful extraction and apprehension stand as a powerful testament to the unwavering strength of cooperation between local and international law enforcement agencies. The NBI, through this operation, reaffirms its steadfast commitment to diligently pursuing individuals who threaten national security and public safety. The message is unequivocal: no matter how far a fugitive may flee, the full force of Philippine law, supported by international partnerships, will ultimately ensure they are brought to justice.