INANDAN, SULU — A joint law enforcement operation conducted on October 30, 2025, in Sitio Talatak, Barangay Bato-Bato, Indanan, Sulu, resulted in the death of two armed personalities, the arrest of five others, and the recovery of several high-powered firearms and ammunition. The clash, however, also claimed the life of a brave member of the Philippine National Police–Special Action Force (PNP-SAF).
The operation was jointly carried out by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Regional Field Unit 9, CIDG Sulu Provincial Field Unit, 54th Special Action Company, PNP-SAF, 1st Provincial Mobile Force Company (PMFC), Indanan Municipal Police Station, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency–BARMM (PDEA-BARMM), Regional Intelligence Unit 9 (RIU9), National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA), and the 100th Infantry “Kalasag” Battalion of the Philippine Army.
Authorities were serving a search warrant against known armed personalities when the suspects opened fire, triggering a brief but fierce firefight. Two PNP-SAF personnel sustained injuries during the encounter, and despite immediate medical attention, one of them succumbed to his wounds.
Government forces successfully neutralized two suspects and arrested five others. Recovered from the scene were four rifles, a pistol, and assorted ammunition, now in police custody for investigation and proper disposition.
Following the operation, law enforcement and military officials held post-operation coordination meetings (“pulong-pulong”) with local leaders to maintain peace and order in the area and strengthen community cooperation amid heightened security operations.
Lieutenant Colonel Samuel M. Bayongasan, Commanding Officer of the 100th Infantry (Kalasag) Battalion, extended his deepest condolences to the family of the fallen SAF trooper, hailing his courage and sacrifice in the line of duty.
“We mourn the loss of our valiant comrade who gave his life for peace and order,” Lt. Col. Bayongasan said. “His bravery and unwavering dedication to service will never be forgotten. We stand firm in our continued collaboration with the PNP, CIDG, and all law enforcement agencies in pursuing lasting peace and security in Sulu.”
The successful operation highlights the strong inter-agency cooperation among the military, police, and intelligence units in combating criminality and armed threats that continue to challenge peace in the region.
Sama-sama tungo sa Kaunlaran at Kapayapaan! Kalasag ng Bayan!