February 1, 2025 – Tagum City, Philippines
A police operation to serve arrest warrants on two wanted criminals resulted in a violent shootout in a private subdivision in Visayan Village, Tagum City, on Friday night.
According to the Tagum City Police Station, they received a call at approximately 6:50 PM regarding gunfire in the area. Law enforcement personnel, led by PMAJ Delia P. Gesultura, DCOP, along with an alert team headed by PCPT Emmanuel E. Montero, responded immediately. Security support was also provided by the 60th Infantry Battalion Bravo Company.
Operation to Arrest Suspects Turns Deadly
The police operation, conducted with units from the Davao del Norte Police Provincial Office (DNPPO) PIU, SWAT DNPPO, 1st DNPMFC, 15th Special Action Company (SAC), and RID FIT DNPPO, aimed to serve multiple arrest warrants against two suspects known as alias “Norman” and alias “Rozendel.” The suspects were wanted for two counts of murder under Criminal Case Number 02-2023 from Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 34 in Compostela, Davao de Oro, and Criminal Case Number 1608-2023 from RTC Branch 57 in Mabini, Davao de Oro. Additionally, Norman Saquin was facing charges under Republic Act 10591 (Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act) under Criminal Case Number 11664-2022 from RTC Branch 3 in Nabunturan, Davao de Oro.
However, when the officers attempted to serve the warrants, the suspects opened fire, leading to an exchange of gunfire. Two SWAT members, PSSg Evan S. Tapayan and PCpl Jayson D. Baliad, sustained gunshot wounds to the left arm and right leg, respectively. They were immediately rushed to the Davao Regional Medical Center for treatment.
Neutralization of Suspects
During the firefight, Rozendel and an unidentified male accomplice attempted to escape, while Norman retreated to the second floor of a house and continued firing at the police. In response, law enforcement officers engaged him, ultimately neutralizing the suspect. He was transported to the hospital but was declared dead on arrival.
Police pursued Rozendel to a vacant lot, where he continued to fire at the officers. In the ensuing shootout, he was fatally wounded. Meanwhile, the unidentified accomplice fled but was later tracked to a grassy area near a creek. When officers approached, the suspect fired at them, prompting police to return fire. He was also taken to the hospital and declared dead on arrival. Authorities later identified him as alias “Renz,” an unemployed resident of the area.
Recovered Firearms and Evidence
Crime scene investigators from the DNPFU, led by PLT Arturo Salvado, recovered multiple firearms and spent shell casings from three crime scenes:
- First crime scene: One 9mm Tanfoglio pistol (Serial Number AB25804) with a loaded chamber, a magazine containing two live rounds, four fired 9mm cartridge cases, and eighteen fired 5.56mm cartridge cases.
- Second crime scene: One .45 caliber pistol with a defaced serial number, a loaded chamber, a magazine with one live round, and seventeen fired 5.56mm cartridge cases.
- Third crime scene: One 9mm pistol with a defaced serial number, a loaded chamber, a magazine with one live round.
Authorities also collected buccal swab samples from the suspects and blood swabs from the crime scenes. All recovered evidence is now in police custody for forensic examination and ballistics profiling.
Police Urge Public Cooperation
The Tagum City Police are urging residents to report any criminal activities in their communities. They have provided the following hotlines for tip-offs: 0919-748-5024 and 0967-450-1815.
The operation highlights the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to maintain peace and security in the city, ensuring that wanted criminals are brought to justice.
