The Philippine National Police (PNP) has ordered a full investigation and intensified manhunt following the killing of a police officer inside a mosque in Madamba, Lanao del Sur.
Police Chief Master Sergeant Alioden M. Sarangani of the Madamba Municipal Police Station was shot dead on June 20, 2026, at around 7:42 p.m. inside a mosque in Barangay Uyaan Proper.
Initial reports showed that an unidentified gunman entered the mosque while the officer was praying and shot him in the head before fleeing the scene. The suspect remains at large.
“The Philippine National Police strongly condemns this brutal attack on one of our personnel, especially in a place of worship,” PNP Chief Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. said.
“I have ordered the RD, PRO BAR and neighboring regional offices to deploy all available intelligence and tactical resources in an intensified, border-to-border manhunt to bring all those responsible to justice,” he added.
Authorities said the Police Regional Office–BAR has launched coordinated intelligence and operational measures to determine the identity, motive, and possible affiliations of the suspect.
“To the family of Police Chief Master Sergeant Sarangani, the entire Philippine National Police stands with you in grief, and we assure you that his ultimate sacrifice while in a sacred house of prayer will not be in vain,” Nartatez said.
Police units in Lanao del Sur have been directed to strengthen intelligence coordination with local communities and intensify visibility operations in vulnerable areas to prevent further attacks.
“I want to reassure the residents of Lanao del Sur that this cowardly attack will not break our resolve. We are pouring heavily visible police forces into your communities to restore order and ensure your absolute safety,” he added.