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Advocates Philippines
NBI Nabs Alleged Dawlah Islamiyah-Maguid Member Over 2018 GenSan Bombing
Photo credit: NBI
What seemed like a routine arrival at Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1 on February 25, 2026 quickly turned into a high-stakes arrest.
The National Bureau of Investigation confirmed that its agents successfully apprehended an alleged member of the Dawlah Islamiyah–Maguid terror group the moment he arrived in the country — ending years of evasion linked to the 2018 bombing in General Santos City.
According to the NBI, the arrest was the result of tight coordination across multiple units. The operation was led by the NBI–Central Mindanao Regional Office, working closely with the NBI–Sarangani District Office. Specialized divisions — including the Intelligence Service, International Airport Investigation Division, Counter-Terrorism Division, and International Operations Division — synchronized efforts to ensure the suspect would not slip through.
The mission also drew tactical backing from the Philippine National Police, particularly its Criminal Investigation and Detection Group and Intelligence Group — a show of unified force against both domestic and transnational threats.
Warrant Served for Frustrated Murder
The arrest was carried out by virtue of a warrant issued by the Regional Trial Court Branch 23 of General Santos City for multiple counts of frustrated murder.
The charges stem from the 2018 bombing in General Santos City, an attack authorities attribute to remnants of the Dawlah Islamiyah–Maguid Group. Intelligence reports identify the suspect as a key figure who allegedly played a central role in planning and executing the improvised explosive device attack.
The explosion left eight civilians critically injured — among them a three-year-old child — a detail that authorities say underscores the gravity of the case.
Flight to the U.S., Arrest Back Home
Investigators said the suspect attempted to escape prosecution by fleeing to the United States. However, his time abroad was cut short after he was detained by U.S. immigration authorities for violations of immigration laws.
Following deportation proceedings, he was sent back to the Philippines — where NBI agents were already waiting. He was arrested immediately upon arrival.
“The Law Has a Long Reach”
The NBI described the operation as proof of strong cooperation between local and international law enforcement agencies.
In a statement, the bureau reaffirmed its commitment to pursuing individuals who threaten national security, making it clear that distance is no shield from accountability.
No matter how far a fugitive runs, authorities say, the law will eventually catch up.
The National Bureau of Investigation confirmed that its agents successfully apprehended an alleged member of the Dawlah Islamiyah–Maguid terror group the moment he arrived in the country — ending years of evasion linked to the 2018 bombing in General Santos City.
According to the NBI, the arrest was the result of tight coordination across multiple units. The operation was led by the NBI–Central Mindanao Regional Office, working closely with the NBI–Sarangani District Office. Specialized divisions — including the Intelligence Service, International Airport Investigation Division, Counter-Terrorism Division, and International Operations Division — synchronized efforts to ensure the suspect would not slip through.
The mission also drew tactical backing from the Philippine National Police, particularly its Criminal Investigation and Detection Group and Intelligence Group — a show of unified force against both domestic and transnational threats.
Warrant Served for Frustrated Murder
The arrest was carried out by virtue of a warrant issued by the Regional Trial Court Branch 23 of General Santos City for multiple counts of frustrated murder.
The charges stem from the 2018 bombing in General Santos City, an attack authorities attribute to remnants of the Dawlah Islamiyah–Maguid Group. Intelligence reports identify the suspect as a key figure who allegedly played a central role in planning and executing the improvised explosive device attack.
The explosion left eight civilians critically injured — among them a three-year-old child — a detail that authorities say underscores the gravity of the case.
Flight to the U.S., Arrest Back Home
Investigators said the suspect attempted to escape prosecution by fleeing to the United States. However, his time abroad was cut short after he was detained by U.S. immigration authorities for violations of immigration laws.
Following deportation proceedings, he was sent back to the Philippines — where NBI agents were already waiting. He was arrested immediately upon arrival.
“The Law Has a Long Reach”
The NBI described the operation as proof of strong cooperation between local and international law enforcement agencies.
In a statement, the bureau reaffirmed its commitment to pursuing individuals who threaten national security, making it clear that distance is no shield from accountability.
No matter how far a fugitive runs, authorities say, the law will eventually catch up.
Feb 27, 2026
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