DATU ODIN SINSUAT, MAGUINDANAO DEL NORTE — Three suspected members of a criminal group were killed while a police officer was wounded in a shootout that erupted during the serving of a warrant of arrest early Tuesday morning, October 15, 2025, in Barangay Semba, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte.
According to initial reports, personnel of the Datu Odin Sinsuat Municipal Police Station (DOS MPS), led by Police Captain Sammy Panning, the Deputy Chief of Police, were about to serve a search and arrest warrant against a high-value target identified as Sammy Usman, alias Triga, when gunfire broke out at around 4:00 a.m. in Sitio Luma, Barangay Semba.
The target and two other suspects were killed in the exchange of fire, while Captain Panning sustained injuries along with two members of the Philippine Marines who assisted in the operation. Authorities also arrested the suspect’s son, identified only as Bari-bari.
Recovered from the scene were two high-powered firearms, several short firearms, packets of suspected shabu, and drug paraphernalia. Police said the suspects were involved in illegal drug trading, gun-for-hire activities, and were reportedly supporters of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF).
In a radio interview, DOS Police Chief Lt. Col. Esmael Madin confirmed that the suspects fired first upon the approaching law enforcers, triggering a gun battle. He added that the suspects also detonated an improvised explosive device (IED), intensifying the confrontation.
Authorities revealed that the raided area had previously been the subject of a police operation but had reportedly resumed illegal drug activities in recent weeks.
Datu Odin Sinsuat Mayor Abdulmain Baba Abas immediately responded to the incident site in Sitio Lalaog, Barangay Semba, to assess the situation. He expressed full support for the ongoing anti-drug campaign of law enforcement agencies and assured the public that the local government remains committed to peace and order efforts.
The police are still verifying the identities of the slain suspects as part of the ongoing investigation.