Two suspects, including a most wanted man, were killed while three officers were wounded in a police operation in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte.
The incident happened in Sitio Lalaog, Barangay Semba, during a joint operation led by the Datu Odin Sinsuat Municipal Police Station.
Police identified the slain suspects as Samsudin “Sammy/Krega” Usman, the main target, and his companion alias Piong. Another suspect, Barry Usman, was arrested.
According to Police Lt. Col. Esmael Madin, chief of the Datu Odin Sinsuat police, the team had not yet served the arrest warrant when the suspects’ group opened fire, forcing the officers to retaliate.
The exchange resulted in the deaths of Usman and Piong, and injuries to Police Capt. Sammy Paning, Cpl. Marson Quijano, and Private Alex Bajoyo Jr. of the Philippine Marines.
Recovered from the scene were a Bushmaster rifle, M16 rifle, caliber .45 pistol, ten sachets of suspected shabu worth about ₱34,000, cellphones, handheld radios, and drug paraphernalia.
Police Col. Victor Rito, provincial police director, commended the bravery of the officers involved, saying their actions upheld peace and order despite the risks.
Local officials, including Vice Mayor Bobsteel Sinsuat and Barangay Chairperson Majah Sinsuat, urged those involved in illegal activities to learn from the deadly encounter.
