Makilala, Cotabato — What began as a police operation to serve a search warrant for illegal firearms possession ended in a deadly firefight in Purok Gumasak, Barangay Bulakanon, Makilala, Cotabato in the early hours of Thursday, August 14, 2025. The encounter left two members of the 1203rd Maneuver Company, Regional Mobile Force Battalion (RMFB) 12 wounded, two armed men dead, and a local businessman under arrest.
Police identified the wounded officers as PCpl Jayson A. Jungco and Pat Christian A. Neyra, both of the 1203rd Maneuver Company. The fatalities, meanwhile, were named as Jovito Regidor Roa and Paul Lacorte Pedroso, both alleged members of a Philippine Army unit and serving as security escorts for businessman Ramon Floresta, the target of the search.
According to the Makilala Municipal Police Station and Cotabato Provincial Police Office (CPPO), the operation was conducted jointly by the Makilala Police, CPPO, 1st and 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Companies (PMFC), and the 1203rd Maneuver Company, RMFB-12. The search warrant—issued by Executive Judge Jose T. Tabosares of the Kidapawan Judicial District—was for violation of Republic Act 10591 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.
Authorities said that as soon as the law enforcement team approached Floresta’s compound, they were met with gunfire from his armed security personnel. This prompted the police to return fire, resulting in a brief but intense firefight.
The two wounded police officers were immediately rushed to a nearby hospital for medical treatment, while Roa and Pedroso were also brought to a medical facility but were declared dead on arrival by attending doctors.
Recovered from the scene were several high-powered firearms, ammunition, and explosives, including:
- Glock 23 pistol (.40 caliber)
- Glock .45 caliber pistol
- CZ 858 Tactical long firearm
- Colt M16 (5.56mm caliber)
- Federal CN CQ A5.56mm rifle
- Norinco NP48 (.40 caliber)
- Two fragmentation hand grenades
- Hundreds of assorted ammunition and magazines
Police confirmed that all recovered items were properly inventoried in the presence of a barangay official and a media representative.
Floresta was placed under custody and now faces charges for violation of RA 10591, as well as possible additional cases related to the recovered explosives. He has reportedly denied ownership of the firearms and ammunition seized from his property.
Authorities are continuing their investigation to determine whether other armed associates of the businessman were involved and to verify the military affiliation of the slain escorts.
Law enforcement officials underscored that the operation highlights the extreme risks faced by police in carrying out their duties, but stressed their commitment to safeguarding communities in line with the government’s “Bagong Pilipinas” campaign for a safe and progressive society.