SULTAN KUDARAT, Maguindanao (PNA) – Four persons were injured in a clash between police and heavily armed men in a densely populated marketplace here Tuesday night, July 12.
Police Lt. Col. Julhamin Asdani, municipal police chief, said Wednesday, July 13, that civilians reported seeing heavily armed men on board five vehicles arriving at the Crossing Simuay Market and terminal facility at about 6 p.m.
They roamed around the marketplace looking for the village chairperson, Guiaber Dalindingan, who was not around.
The scene caused panic among residents.
Asdani said when the police responded, the gunmen started shooting at them despite the presence of market goers and vendors.
He said the 20-minute firefight left four injured – one civilian and three from the side of the gunmen.
“A police patrol car and police Community Police Assistance Center detachment were hit by stray bullets,” Asdani said.
Soldiers, backed by armored personnel carriers, arrived in the market but the gunmen were gone.
Asdani said they were still establishing the identity of the armed group.