ILIGAN City — The Lanao del Sur Police Provincial Office has denied circulating claims that a recent police operation in Buadi-Puso Buntong was merely linked to a “rido” or family feud.
In a statement, Provincial Director Caezar P. Cabuhat said the operation was based on legitimate warrants of arrest and search warrants issued by the Regional Trial Court of Lanao del Sur against several wanted individuals facing serious criminal charges.
Authorities identified the cases as Attempted Murder (Criminal Case No. 0646-2019) and Murder (Criminal Case No. 0645-2019), the latter being a non-bailable offense.
Police officials stressed that the warrants underwent proper judicial evaluation and legal procedures before implementation.
“The actions of law enforcement authorities were conducted in accordance with the law and were not motivated by politics or personal conflicts,” the statement said.
The PPO also rejected allegations that the operation was politically motivated or intended to conceal other issues, describing such claims as misleading and harmful to ongoing investigations.
For residents, authorities reminded the public that resisting lawful police operations may lead to additional criminal liability.
Police also urged communities to avoid sharing unverified information online, warning that misinformation could create confusion and tension in affected areas.
The office likewise expressed concern over the casualties during the incident, including the death of a member of the Philippine National Police Special Action Force.
The Lanao del Sur PPO said investigations are continuing and assured the public that authorities will pursue justice through lawful and impartial procedures.
