Pikit, Cotabato – May 27, 2025 — A coordinated law enforcement operation led to the neutralization of a high-profile criminal suspect in Barangay Ladtingan, Pikit, Cotabato, on Tuesday afternoon.
At approximately 3:20 PM, personnel from multiple law enforcement units conducted a joint operation that targeted a suspect known by the alias “Long Hair,” a resident of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). The suspect was ranked as the Top 9 Most Wanted Person at the regional level and was the subject of a warrant of arrest for carnapping with homicide. The warrant was issued by the Regional Trial Court Branch 22 in Kabacan, Cotabato, on February 26, 2025, with no bail recommended.
As the operatives moved to serve the arrest warrant, the suspect allegedly resisted and opened fire using a COLT caliber .45 pistol. This prompted a brief but intense exchange of gunfire, resulting in the suspect sustaining gunshot wounds. He was immediately brought to Cruzado Medical Hospital for medical attention.
Recovered from the suspect was a chamber-loaded COLT caliber .45 pistol with a magazine containing five live rounds.
The successful operation was carried out by personnel from the Pikit Municipal Police Station, Cotabato Police Provincial Office, 1203rd Maneuver Company of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 12, the 40th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army, the Regional Intelligence Unit 12, the National Counter-Police Highway Patrol Task Force (NCPHPT), the Regional Intelligence Division 12, and the Regional Intelligence and Analysis Team – Counter-Terrorism Unit under the Police Regional Office of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region.
PBGen. Arnold P. Ardiente, Regional Director of Police Regional Office 12, commended the joint forces for their coordination and dedication. He emphasized the continued commitment of law enforcement to pursue justice and ensure public safety in the region.