Five police officers were killed and three others wounded in an ambush Saturday night in Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao del Sur, while traveling along Maguindanao Street towards the Maguindanao del Sur Police Headquarters.
Details of the Ambush
The personnel targeted were members of the 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company (PMFC) under the Maguindanao del Sur Police Provincial Office (MDSPPO). According to Captain Steffi Salanguit, spokesperson for the Police Regional Office of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (PRO BAR), the officers were returning to Camp Datu Akilan after conducting a patrol in the town center at approximately 9:10 p.m. when unidentified suspects opened fire.
“Despite being caught off guard, the officers managed to return fire while maneuvering away from the site and proceeding directly to the Maguindanao del Sur Provincial Hospital,” Salanguit said.
The slain officers have been identified as Kenneth Perocho, Al-Fatah Marohom, Amil Bangsa, Arsenal Sivih and Sayed Ridwan. Those injured include PLt Alfred Gregory, PSSg Adam Kansi and Pat Abubakar Lauban.
Condemnation and Investigation
Chief Minister Abdulraof “Sammy Gambar” Macacua condemned the incident and extended his condolences to the victims’ families. He has ordered relevant ministries to coordinate with law enforcement agencies for a thorough investigation to identify and hold the perpetrators accountable.
Shariff Aguak Vice Mayor Hadji Oping Ampatuan stated, “This type of violence is a direct assault on the law, order, and peace that we have strived to uphold in our town. We will not allow fear and chaos to prevail in Shariff Aguak.”
History of Violence in the Area
The ambush site is a known hotspot for attacks, with this being the third incident in the area since January 1, 2018 and June 15, 2023, resulting in both civilian and police casualties. Members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters were identified as primary suspects in the 2018 and 2023 incidents. This is the second time the 2nd PMFC has been targeted in this location.
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