COTABATO CITY — Tamontaka Mother Barangay Chairman Mohammad Ali Jawawi “Datu Wawi” Sema was wounded by gunfire Thursday afternoon while assisting police officers in a hot pursuit operation against a suspected motorcycle carnapper in his area.
Sema was rushed to a hospital and is currently receiving medical treatment following the shooting, according to information provided by Cotabato City Police Office (CCPO) Director Col. Jibin Bongcayao.
Bongcayao, in a phone interview with Brigada News FM, said police officers had caught the suspect allegedly stealing a motorcycle and were about to arrest him when he resisted and managed to escape.
The suspect reportedly fled the area and boarded a mini van, prompting police to launch a hot pursuit operation.
At that point, Sema happened to be in the area. Police officers reportedly asked for his assistance and requested the use of his vehicle to pursue the fleeing suspect.
The pursuit, however, escalated into a gunfight.
According to the initial information gathered, Sema and the pursuing police officers attempted to intercept the suspect as he was fleeing. The suspect was reportedly armed and opened fire, triggering an exchange of gunshots.
Sema was hit during the incident.
He was immediately brought to a hospital for medical attention. The extent of his injuries and his current medical condition were not immediately disclosed in the initial reports.
Police authorities are continuing their pursuit of the still-unidentified suspect, who remains at large as of the latest available information.
The incident highlights the risks faced not only by law enforcement officers but also by local community officials and civilians who become involved in police operations, particularly during fast-moving pursuit situations.
Authorities are expected to conduct further investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the exchange of gunfire, identify the suspect, and determine the sequence of events that led to Sema being wounded.
Police have yet to release the identity of the suspected carnapper and further details regarding the motorcycle allegedly stolen during the incident.
The investigation and manhunt remain ongoing.