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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Nartatez orders probe, aggressive operations after death of 5 cops in Maguindanao ambush

Nartatez orders probe, aggressive operations after death of 5 cops in Maguindanao ambush

Published Mar 29, 2026 09:07 am
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Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez, Jr., chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), vowed to run after all those involved in the ambush in Maguindanao del Sur on Saturday night, March 28, that left five policemen dead and three others seriously injured.
In a strongly worded statement, Nartatez said he already ordered an investigation to identify all those involved as he emphasized that any attack on any police officer on duty is a direct assault to the PNP as an organization.
“An attack on any police officer, especially while in the performance of duty, is an attack on the PNP as a whole. The entire police organization will run after those involved. That is our commitment in the interest of justice,” said Nartatez.
“We will not waver. This attack will not go unanswered. Justice will be swift, certain, and uncompromising,” he vowed.
The team of police officers 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company were on their way back to their detachment after patrol and police visibility operations on Saturday night, March 28, when unidentified men carried out the ambush in Shariff Aguak town.
Joint police and military forces were immediately sent to the area to secure the ambushed police officers and secure the area. The attackers fled and are now the subject of the manhunt operations.
Nartatez said he already directed the regional police forces to mobilize teams that will conduct aggressive follow-up operations and build a solid case against the perpetrators.
“On behalf of the men and women of the PNP, I extend my sincerest condolences to the family of five of our police officers. We assure them that our strong words in condemning this senseless and treacherous attack will come with equally strong and decisive actions against all those involved,” said Nartatez.
“If there is a need to deploy more policemen, especially from our elite units, so be it. Our focus is to get all the perpetrators in the interest of justice and peace and order,” he added.
Peace, rule of law in BARMM
Nartatez also expressed gratitude to the BARMM Chief Minister Abdulraof A. Macacua for his commitment to assist in the conduct of investigation and in holding accountable all those involved.
In a statement, Macacua said he directed the concerned ministries to immediately undertake a thorough investigation “to ensure that the perpetrators of this heinous act are swiftly identified and held accountable to the full extent of the law.”
“We extend our deepest sympathies and prayers to the families of the fallen personnel. The Bangsamoro Government stands in solidarity with them during this time of grief and will extend the necessary assistance to support their bereavement,” he added.
Macacua also called on his constituents to remain calm, exercise vigilance, and cooperate with authorities by providing any information that may aid in the ongoing investigation.
“The Bangsamoro Government remains steadfast in its commitment to uphold peace, justice, and the rule of law in the region,” he added.
Assistance
Nartatez said the Regional Director of Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region was directed to initiate and establish communication lines with the family of the police officers to ensure that all the necessary support is extended to them.
“The Philippine National Police extends its deepest condolences to the families of our fallen personnel. Their bravery and sacrifice will never be forgotten,” he said.
He also committed to extend all the necessary support systems to ensure the recovery of the three injured cops.

Related Tags

PNP ambush Maguindanao del Sur BARMM Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr.
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