MATI CITY, Davao Oriental — A man listed as the Top 1 Most Wanted Person in Mati City and among the province’s most wanted fugitives was killed after allegedly engaging law enforcement officers in a firefight during the implementation of a warrant of arrest on the evening of June 19, 2026.
The suspect was identified as Lorencio Cus, also known as “Bobong,” an unemployed resident of Purok Maganda, Barangay Matiao, Mati City. Authorities said he was facing charges for violating Section 5, Article II of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, involving the illegal sale of dangerous drugs.
According to a press release from the Mati City Police Station, the operation was conducted at around 8:20 p.m. by a joint team composed of personnel from the Warrant and Intelligence Section of the Mati City Police Station, the Provincial Intelligence Unit of the Davao Oriental Police Provincial Office, the Regional Intelligence Unit XI, and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Davao Oriental Provincial Office.
The warrant of arrest was issued on April 22, 2026, by Judge Carmel Rosame A. Milleza of the Regional Trial Court Branch 5 in Mati City. The case carried no recommended bail, indicating the seriousness of the offense.
Police said the operation turned violent when the suspect allegedly pulled out a firearm and opened fire at the arresting officers. The lawmen reportedly returned fire in response to the perceived threat, resulting in the suspect sustaining multiple gunshot wounds.
Authorities immediately rendered medical assistance and rushed Cus to the Davao Oriental Provincial Medical Center for emergency treatment. However, he was later declared dead by the attending physician.
Following the incident, law enforcement personnel recovered several items from the suspect and the scene of the operation.
Among the items seized were a caliber .45 pistol, a black holster, six live rounds of ammunition, a hand grenade, and several fired cartridge cases. Authorities also recovered suspected illegal drugs and drug paraphernalia, including approximately 33.5 grams of suspected shabu with an estimated street value of P227,800, dried marijuana with fruiting tops, a digital weighing scale, improvised scooping devices, glass tooters, and other items commonly associated with illegal drug activities.
Cash amounting to P1,600 was also recovered from the suspect’s pockets and sling bag.
Police investigators are currently conducting a thorough investigation into the incident. All recovered evidence has been properly documented and turned over to the appropriate forensic and investigative units for examination and disposition.
In a statement, PLTCOL Frederick C. Sa-Ao, Acting Chief of Police of Mati City, reaffirmed the Philippine National Police’s commitment to enforcing the law while adhering to established operational procedures and respecting human rights.
“We assure the public that the PNP remains steadfast in its mandate to enforce the law impartially and professionally. We likewise encourage everyone to cooperate with lawful authorities and uphold peace and order in our communities,” Sa-Ao said.
Authorities expressed hope that the operation would contribute to strengthening the government’s campaign against criminality and illegal drugs in Mati City and throughout Davao Oriental.
The incident underscores the continuing efforts of law enforcement agencies to track down wanted individuals and combat illegal drug activities in the province, while highlighting the dangers faced by officers during high-risk police operations.