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PNP Launches Manhunt After Deadly Ambush Kills Cop And Civilian In Lanao Del Sur
PNP chief Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. Photo courtesy of PNP
Authorities are on the hunt after a deadly ambush claimed the life of a police officer and his companion in Lanao del Sur.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) confirmed it has launched a full-scale manhunt for the gunmen behind the attack, with orders already sent to ground units—especially in the Police Regional Office Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM)—to identify and arrest those responsible.
PNP chief Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. did not mince words, condemning the attack as senseless and cowardly.
“We will not let this pass,” he said, assuring the public that the police force will go after the suspects with the full force of the law.
The victims were identified as Police Corporal Walid Buleg Sangcopan and a civilian companion. They were traveling in a gray Toyota Innova when they were ambushed along a quiet stretch of road in Barangay Paglamatan, Saguiaran before dawn last Saturday.
The incident adds to growing concerns in the region, as it happened just hours after another deadly ambush in Shariff Aguak, where five police officers were killed and three others injured.
Police believe the Maguindanao attack may be linked to a local terror group, possibly in retaliation for recent operations that led to the deaths of several of its members.
With two attacks happening so close together, the PNP is now tightening security across BARMM and coordinating closely with the military to prevent further violence.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) confirmed it has launched a full-scale manhunt for the gunmen behind the attack, with orders already sent to ground units—especially in the Police Regional Office Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM)—to identify and arrest those responsible.
PNP chief Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. did not mince words, condemning the attack as senseless and cowardly.
“We will not let this pass,” he said, assuring the public that the police force will go after the suspects with the full force of the law.
The victims were identified as Police Corporal Walid Buleg Sangcopan and a civilian companion. They were traveling in a gray Toyota Innova when they were ambushed along a quiet stretch of road in Barangay Paglamatan, Saguiaran before dawn last Saturday.
The incident adds to growing concerns in the region, as it happened just hours after another deadly ambush in Shariff Aguak, where five police officers were killed and three others injured.
Police believe the Maguindanao attack may be linked to a local terror group, possibly in retaliation for recent operations that led to the deaths of several of its members.
With two attacks happening so close together, the PNP is now tightening security across BARMM and coordinating closely with the military to prevent further violence.
Mar 31, 2026
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