LAMBAYONG, Sultan Kudarat — Two members of the Philippine National Police’s Regional Mobile Force Battalion 12 (RMFB-12) were killed after unidentified armed men ambushed them along the National Highway in Barangay Tinumiguis, Lambayong, Sultan Kudarat on Tuesday evening, July 7.
The fatalities were identified as Patrolman Apollo Morante Pagurayan, a resident of Tacurong City, and Patrolman Joerel Basilan Bullos, 32, a resident of Barangay Cebuano, Tupi, South Cotabato. Both were assigned to the 1202nd Maneuver Company of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 12 (RMFB-12).
According to the latest police report, the two officers had just left their detachment in Barangay New Cebu, Lambayong, and were en route to their assigned Border Control Point (BCP) in Barangay Tinumiguis when they came under attack at approximately 6:45 p.m.
Initial investigation showed that the officers were traveling on separate motorcycles along the National Highway when unidentified armed assailants suddenly opened fire using what authorities believe was an M16 rifle. The sustained gunfire inflicted fatal gunshot wounds on both policemen, causing their immediate deaths.
Earlier field reports indicated that the two officers were riding a single motorcycle at the time of the attack. However, the latest investigation by the police has established that the victims were traveling separately while heading to their duty post.
The brutal ambush prompted the immediate deployment of police units to secure the crime scene and launch a large-scale hot pursuit operation against the perpetrators.
Investigators are conducting an extensive forensic examination of the area, including the recovery of spent shell casings and other physical evidence, to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the attack and identify the firearms used.
Authorities are also pursuing all possible motives, including whether the victims were deliberately targeted because of their law enforcement duties or if other factors led to the deadly assault.
As of Wednesday, police have yet to identify the suspects or determine the direction of their escape. Intensified checkpoint operations and pursuit efforts remain underway across Lambayong and neighboring municipalities.
The Philippine National Police has vowed to exhaust all investigative efforts to identify, locate, and arrest those responsible for the killings and to ensure that appropriate criminal charges are filed against the perpetrators.
The fatal ambush highlights the continuing dangers faced by police personnel deployed in frontline security operations, particularly those assigned to border control and public safety missions in conflict-prone areas of Mindanao.
The investigation remains ongoing, with authorities expected to release additional information as new evidence emerges.