PATIKUL, Sulu — A peaceful Sunday morning in Barangay Latih, Patikul turned deadly after an armed encounter between government troops and suspected gunmen left an Army sergeant and two civilians — including a minor — dead, while another civilian was wounded.
The firefight erupted at around 5:50 a.m. in Sitio Nangka as troops of the 35th Infantry Battalion (35IB) were conducting a combat patrol following intelligence reports on the presence of armed individuals in the area. According to the Patikul Municipal Police Station, the soldiers were fired upon by two suspects identified as Salip Rigban and Aya Fhadz, both allegedly under surveillance since late 2025 for their reported involvement in recruiting members for a newly forming armed group in the province.
Caught in the initial exchange of gunfire were two local residents, identified only as alias Najer and alias Misang, who were near a durian plantation close to the encounter site. Both were killed on the spot. Authorities later confirmed that one of the civilian fatalities was a minor, underscoring the grave impact of the violence on non-combatants.
As the suspects retreated northward, they encountered another military blocking force led by 1st Lt. Salmazan at around 6:45 a.m. A second firefight ensued, during which Sgt. Earl Andrew G. Baguioro, a resident of Zamboanga Sibugay, was critically wounded. He was rushed to the Camp Teodulfo Bautista Station Hospital but was declared dead on arrival.
Another civilian, Lilia Misang Hashim, was struck by a bullet amid the pursuit. Army medical teams administered first aid on site before transferring her to a hospital for further treatment. A female resident was also reported seriously injured earlier in the clash and was immediately brought to a medical facility.
Police Major Kier John C. Leaño, chief of the Patikul police, led the securing of the encounter area and coordinated with the Sulu Provincial Forensic Unit for evidence collection. In keeping with local customs, the remains of the slain civilians were promptly turned over to their families.
Military and police authorities confirmed that clearing and pursuit operations are ongoing as the two suspects were last seen fleeing toward the northwestern direction. Officials said the continued operations aim to prevent further violence and ensure the safety of residents in Barangay Latih and nearby communities.
The incident once again highlights the persistent security challenges in parts of Sulu, where armed encounters continue to exact a heavy toll on both uniformed personnel and civilians, including children.