ZAMBOANGA CITY – Two lawless elements and a government guide were killed while another government guide was critically wounded during an encounter with police and military authorities in Polomolok, South Cotabato, the Armed Force of the Philippines- Western Mindanao Command(AFP-WestMinCom) reported on Tuesday.
AFP-WestMinCom Commander Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, Jr. said soldiers of the 5th Special Forces Battalion and Polomolok Municipal Police Station were about to serve a warrant of arrest on Sunday afternoon to Toh Catucan of Purok 1, Barangay Sumbakil, Polomolok when they were fired upon by Catucan and his cohorts.
Catucan was facing Criminal Case Number 5372-18 and 5749-19 for murder,
The police and military authorities returned fire at the group of Catucan killing Jer Maguisulan and Rabino Manalasal Kutin, Vinluan added.
“We regret to report that one of the guides was declared dead on arrival by the attending physician at Polomolok Municipal Hospital, while the other guide was currently admitted at the same hospital and is now in stable condition,” said Lt. Col. Randy Banaag, Commanding Officer of the 5th Special Forces Battalion.
Vinluan said troops recovered one Caliber 45 Pistol and one 9MM UZI Submachine Pistol at the encounter site.
“On behalf of the operating troops, I would like to extend my deepest sympathy to the family and relatives of the killed guide. I, likewise, commend his bravery and heroic deed,” said Brig. Gen. Roy Galido, Commander of the 601st Infantry Brigade.
Joint Task Force-Central Commander Maj. Gen. Juvymax Uy said: “May this serve as a warning to the terrorists and other lawless elements that taking up arms against the security forces will never resolve conflicts but rather create more chaotic situations.”