Lanao del Sur — A police operation to serve a warrant of arrest turned deadly after law enforcers were ambushed by armed men in Barangay Catogonon, Buadipuso Buntong at around 11 a.m. on May 4, authorities said.
According to PNP-BARMM spokesperson Capt. Steffi Salanguit, police officers were about to enter the area to serve a warrant against suspect Sukair Diongcat, who is facing murder and attempted murder charges, when gunmen reportedly opened fire using a sniper rifle.
Killed in the encounter was Corporal Kelvin Dela Cruz Francisco of the Philippine National Police-Special Action Force (PNP-SAF).
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Wounded during the operation were Captain Mark Bryan Tamid-ay, Patrolman Presly Baguiwan, Corporal Rexil Mejos, and Corporal Taha Saripada.
Salanguit said the four injured officers are now in stable condition and undergoing treatment.
Additional police forces have since been deployed to the area under the leadership of Col. Caesar Cabuhat.
Reinforcements include two light armored vehicles from the PNP-SAF and personnel from nearby police stations.
Authorities said the target of the operation managed to escape and remains under pursuit.
