Four civilians were wounded after being caught in the crossfire during an anti-drug operation conducted by police operatives in Barangay Bakat, Rajah Buayan on Tuesday, May 26, authorities said.
According to initial reports, operatives from the Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (PRO-BAR) were carrying out an anti-narcotics operation targeting suspected illegal drug personalities in the area when the situation escalated into a firefight.
Police said the suspected drug suspect and several armed companions allegedly opened fire at the responding law enforcers, triggering an armed confrontation that placed nearby residents in danger.
Amid the exchange of gunfire, four innocent civilians who were reportedly near the scene were struck by bullets and sustained injuries. Emergency responders and local authorities immediately rushed the wounded residents to a nearby hospital for medical treatment.
Authorities have yet to release the identities and conditions of the injured civilians as of posting time.
The encounter prompted police forces to launch an intensified hot pursuit operation against the fleeing suspects and their companions who allegedly engaged the authorities in the firefight.
Investigators are still determining the full circumstances surrounding the incident, including how the civilians were hit during the operation and the extent of the injuries they sustained.
The Philippine National Police has yet to issue a complete and official report regarding the anti-drug operation, while the Maguindanao del Sur Provincial Police Office and PRO-BAR continue their investigation into the incident.
The latest violence has again raised concerns over the safety of civilians during armed law enforcement operations in conflict-prone communities in parts of the Bangsamoro region.