The Philippine National Police (PNP) has ordered intensified operations against a lawless armed group after three armed suspects were killed in a clash with police and military personnel in Banisilan, Cotabato.
PNP Chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the encounter showed the risks faced by law enforcers in carrying out arrest warrants against armed fugitives.
“The operation gives the public a glimpse of the serious risks that their policemen face on a daily basis in the interest of peace and order, the rule of law, and safety and welfare of everyone,” Nartatez said.
Police said the firefight happened around 12:30 pm on Wednesday, July 8, in Sitio Kinamuran, Barangay Pantar, Banisilan.
Authorities were serving arrest warrants against the group of Medalya Sultan Tidong, also known as “Commander Tanda,” who is wanted for direct assault, attempted murder, and double frustrated murder with multiple attempted murder.
Police were also serving warrants against Zenaida Lao Tidong, alias “Madam Auring”; Wawie Mananpen Sultan, alias “Wawi”; Minsu Pagumping Sultan, alias “Mra”; and Jack Capatoy Sultan, alias “Tata,” for separate drug, explosives, and firearms cases.
According to police, the suspects opened fire after seeing the approaching law enforcement teams, triggering an armed encounter.
Three unidentified members of the armed group were killed, while the remaining suspects fled toward Sitio Kalantay. No casualties were reported on the government side.
Authorities recovered two M16 rifles and one magazine-fed shotgun from the encounter site.
Following the clash, Nartatez directed Police Regional Office 12 to expand the manhunt for Commander Tanda and the other wanted suspects.
He also ordered nearby police stations to remain on heightened alert to prevent possible retaliatory attacks and block escape routes.