Lanao del Sur, July 17, 2025 — A suspect wanted for murder was killed, and a police officer was wounded during a joint law enforcement operation in Barangay Malungun, Taraka, Lanao del Sur, on Wednesday.
The suspect, identified only by his alias “Farhan,” was the subject of a warrant of arrest for murder, issued by the Acting Presiding Judge of the Regional Trial Court in Marawi City. The operation aimed at peacefully implementing the court order turned into a gunfight when the suspect reportedly opened fire on the approaching police team.
According to the Taraka Municipal Police Station, the arresting team was nearing the suspect’s residence when Farhan fired at them using a 9mm pistol, triggering a brief exchange of gunfire. One police operative sustained a gunshot wound and was rushed to a nearby hospital. He is now in stable condition and recovering.
The suspect was brought to the nearest municipal district hospital, where he was declared dead on arrival by the attending physician.
Recovered from the scene were the suspect’s firearm and several rounds of live ammunition, which have since been submitted for forensic examination.
PBGEN Jaysen C. De Guzman, Regional Director of Police Regional Office – Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (PRO BAR), stressed that the operating units exercised maximum restraint and were committed to serving the warrant peacefully. “However, they were met with armed resistance, putting the lives of our operatives in danger,” he said.
He reaffirmed that law enforcement personnel in the Bangsamoro region remain resolute in their mission to protect communities and enforce the law while upholding human rights and due legal process.