DATU ODIN SINSUAT, Maguindanao del Norte — The municipal police’s top most wanted person was killed in a shootout with authorities during the service of a warrant of arrest early Wednesday, November 5, in Sitio Dikogen, Barangay Tanuel.
Police identified the slain suspect as Iron Watamama Makalanga, also known as Eron Watamama, a resident of the area and listed as the Top 1 Most Wanted Person of Datu Odin Sinsuat for the crime of murder under Article 248 of the Revised Penal Code.
According to Police Lieutenant Colonel Esmael A. Madin, chief of the Datu Odin Sinsuat Municipal Police Station (MPS), joint police operatives launched the early morning operation at around 5:00 a.m. to serve a warrant of arrest issued by the Regional Trial Court Branch 13 (Criminal Case No. 2025-16295).
The operation was carried out by a composite team from the Datu Odin Sinsuat MPS (lead unit), the 42nd Special Action Company (4th SAF), Provincial Intelligence Unit, 1st PMFC, 2nd MP, RMFB14, and the 1404th PSOG-MDNPPO.
Police said that upon arrival, operatives properly identified themselves and explained the purpose of their presence in accordance with standard procedure. However, the suspect allegedly opened fire on the arresting team, prompting authorities to return fire in self-defense.
Makalanga sustained gunshot wounds and was immediately rushed to the Cotabato Regional and Medical Center (CRMC), where he was declared dead on arrival.
Recovered from the scene were several high-powered firearms and suspected illegal drugs, including:
- One (1) M16 rifle (Serial No. 909525)
- One (1) Cal. 45 pistol (Serial No. 837482)
- One (1) pistolite
- Two (2) magazines and one (1) bandolier
- One (1) improvised shotgun
- Two (2) heat-sealed sachets containing suspected shabu (estimated one gram)
- Two (2) glass tooters and three (3) lighters
Meanwhile, another suspect identified as Bayan Salik, a welder and resident of the same barangay, was arrested during the operation for allegedly harboring Makalanga. Seized from him were additional firearms and ammunition, including a Bushmaster rifle and a pistolite pistol.
Investigators PEMS Mohalidin L. Bayao and PCpl King U. Mohamad are conducting further inquiries into the case.
Lt. Col. Madin lauded the coordinated effort of the operating units and emphasized that the successful operation demonstrates the PNP’s continuing campaign against wanted criminals in Maguindanao del Norte.
He also urged other fugitives in the province to surrender peacefully.
“There is no place to hide. The police will continue to pursue those who have committed crimes until justice is served,” Madin said.