Kabacan, Cotabato – A police patrol car was targeted in a grenade attack in Barangay Osias, Kabacan, North Cotabato, on the evening of February 21, 2025. While the three police officers inside the vehicle were unharmed, two civilians sustained injuries.
According to reports from the Kabacan Municipal Police Station, officers were pursuing a suspicious individual from Barangay Kayaga, who evaded a checkpoint. The chase led them to Barangay Osias, where the suspect was lost from sight. As the officers returned in their patrol vehicle, an explosive device was suddenly thrown at them near a KTV bar.
The grenade detonated under the vehicle, damaging its gasoline tank. Post-blast investigations by the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team confirmed that an MK2 grenade was used in the attack. Unfortunately, a nearby barbecue vendor and a Barangay Peacekeeping Action Team (BPAT) member were wounded due to the explosion. They were immediately transported to Mindanao Doctors Hospital, where they are reported to be in stable condition.
The Police Regional Office (PRO) 12, under the leadership of PBGEN Arnold P. Ardiente, strongly condemned the violent incident.
“One of the suspects has been positively identified, and a full-scale hot pursuit operation is underway to ensure that those responsible are swiftly brought to justice. PRO 12 assures the public that we are on top of the situation and will not tolerate any act of lawlessness that threatens peace and security. Our thoughts are with the injured civilians, and we sincerely wish them a speedy and full recovery,” PBGEN Ardiente stated.
Authorities continue their investigation into the attack, vowing to uphold public safety and security amidst the ongoing tensions in the region. Meanwhile, the police reaffirm their commitment to “Service Beyond Our Badge: Alternative Policing Approach” to maintain peace and order in the community.
