Datu Hoffer, Maguindanao del Sur – A joint operation by the Philippine Army and police forces led to the death of a murder suspect and the arrest of his four companions in a brief encounter on Wednesday, October 30. The suspect, Kagui Ramson, was linked to recent violent incidents, including a fatal ambush and a grenade attack on a local barangay official’s residence.
Major General Antonio Nafarrete, commander of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, provided details of the operation on Thursday. He confirmed that Ramson and his four companions were identified as the prime suspects in the ambush of Barangay Councilor Totoh Gogo Kensa, which occurred two weeks ago in Datu Hoffer. Police investigations also implicated the group in a grenade attack on the house of Norodin Lakman Ampatuan, the current barangay chairman of Tuayan, last week.
The joint Army-police team, composed of personnel from the Datu Hoffer Municipal Police Station, the Maguindanao del Sur Provincial Police Office, and the Army’s 40th Infantry Battalion, had planned to conduct a search for firearms at the group’s hideout. However, as they approached the location, Ramson’s group opened fire, prompting the team to return fire, resulting in Ramson’s death. His four companions, realizing they were surrounded, surrendered without further resistance.
Authorities recovered five assault rifles and two .45 caliber pistols from the suspects. The successful operation, according to Major General Nafarrete, was the result of careful planning and coordination between the Army and police to ensure the safety of local communities.
