A suspected leader of the Masaronay Group and a person listed among the most wanted in Lanao del Norte was killed in a shootout with police in Barangay Mindalano, Salvador, on Aug. 17, 2026.
Police identified the target as Khalid, alias “Talib” Masaronay, who was ranked No. 7 on the most wanted list. Authorities said he was facing seven murder cases and one frustrated murder case.
According to police intelligence, the group had long been linked to illegal drug activities, gun-for-hire operations and providing financial support to personalities allegedly associated with the Daulah Islamiyah-Maute Group.
Police said they recovered an M16 rifle, a .45-caliber pistol, magazines and ammunition from Masaronay.
Authorities also recovered eight sachets of suspected shabu weighing about 150 grams and estimated to be worth more than ₱1.02 million.
The Police Regional Office 10 said Masaronay fired first at police operatives while officers were serving a warrant of arrest.
The police returned fire, resulting in the suspect being killed, according to PRO-10.
The operation was conducted as authorities attempted to serve the arrest warrant against the wanted individual.
Police are now continuing their search for other members of the Masaronay Group, whom authorities described as armed and dangerous.
The incident occurred amid continuing police operations against individuals wanted for serious criminal offenses in the area.
Authorities have not provided further details on the identities or whereabouts of the group’s other members as the search continues. VIA Jacky Cabatuan Paclar | 102.5 Brigada News FM -CdeO
