PIKIT, Cotabato — Authorities clarified on Monday that the fatal shooting incident in Barangay Inug-ug, Pikit, Cotabato, shortly before noon on January 5, 2026, was the result of a legitimate and duly coordinated police operation targeting a Top 10 Most Wanted Person at the regional level, police said.
In a press release, the Pikit Municipal Police Station (MPS) disclosed that at around 11:49 a.m., its Tracker Team, in coordination with multiple security units, launched an operation against a suspect known by the alias “Laga,” who was wanted for the crime of murder, with no bail recommended.
The operation involved joint elements of the 1203rd Maneuver Company, RMFB 12; 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company; 40th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army; PIU 12; RIU 12; PHPT Midsayap Sub-Office; RID 12 Team Echo; RIAT-CTU; and the CIDG North Cotabato, underscoring what police described as a highly coordinated law enforcement effort.
According to authorities, during the lawful conduct of the operation, the suspect allegedly resisted arrest and attempted to draw a caliber .45 pistol, prompting an armed confrontation. The suspect sustained gunshot wounds in the ensuing exchange.
Police said the suspect was immediately given medical assistance and rushed to Cruzado Medical Hospital, where he was declared dead on arrival (DOA) by the attending physician.
Recovered from the suspect’s possession was one chamber-loaded caliber .45 pistol (Colt) containing 10 live rounds of ammunition, police added.
Earlier reports had initially described the incident as a shooting along the national highway, with the victim unidentified and circumstances unclear. The police clarification now establishes that the fatality involved a wanted murder suspect who died during a law enforcement operation.
The Pikit MPS emphasized that the operation was carried out in strict adherence to Philippine National Police operational procedures and rules on the use of force.
“The station remains committed to the lawful enforcement of warrants, the protection of lives, and the maintenance of peace and order in the municipality,” the police said.
Authorities continue to document the incident as part of standard post-operation procedures.