A suspected murder and robbery offender listed among the top most wanted individuals in the Bangsamoro region and Lanao del Sur was killed during a joint police operation to serve court-issued warrants in Barangay Pantaon, Calanogas, Lanao del Sur, while his brother, who faces the same criminal charges, escaped and remains at large.
Police identified the slain suspect as Dimao Hadji Racman Cabugatan, who was ranked No. 7 on both the Regional and Provincial Most Wanted Persons lists. His brother, Camalo Hadji Racman Cabugatan, also known by the alias “Mamalo,” was the other subject of the operation and remains the target of continuing police efforts.
The operation was carried out by tracker teams from the Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit (PDEU) and Provincial Special Operations Group (PSOG), with the Lanao del Sur Police Provincial Office (LDSPPO) serving as the lead unit, alongside supporting police forces. The operation was conducted under the supervision of PCOL Caezar P. Cabuhat, provincial director of the LDSPPO.
According to the initial police report, the operating personnel encountered armed resistance after reaching the target area. Dimao allegedly opened fire with a caliber 7.62mm M14 rifle upon sensing the presence of the police team. His gunfire reportedly struck a ballistic shield, prompting the operating personnel to return fire. The exchange resulted in the suspect being shot and neutralized.
Meanwhile, Camalo reportedly escaped through the backyard of their residence as the operation unfolded. He allegedly fired at pursuing police personnel using an unidentified firearm. Even as the operating team withdrew from the area, the suspect reportedly continued shooting, with his gunfire striking the lead mobile patrol vehicle. Personnel were forced to take cover before they could safely disengage and leave the area.
Dimao was subsequently transported to DSBMM Hospital for medical attention but was declared dead on arrival by the attending physician.
Police recovered an M14 rifle, 30 rounds of live ammunition, three rifle magazines, five fired cartridge cases, and a black bandolier from the operation site. All recovered items were turned over to the Provincial Forensic Unit for appropriate examination and documentation.
The operation stemmed from Warrants of Arrest issued by the Regional Trial Court, Branch 11, in Malabang, Lanao del Sur, in connection with Criminal Case Nos. 1437-2026 and 1438-2026. The cases involve charges of murder and robbery, with no bail recommended by the court.
Following the encounter, police launched follow-up operations to locate and arrest Camalo, whose escape has left one of the two warrant subjects still at large.
PBGEN Christopher M. Abecia, regional director of the Police Regional Office Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (PRO BAR), commended the personnel involved, citing their dedication, courage, and commitment to carrying out a lawful police operation. He also underscored the importance of sustained law enforcement operations, coordination among units, and professionalism in protecting communities and bringing wanted individuals before the courts.
The PRO BAR reiterated its commitment to implementing court-issued warrants, pursuing individuals facing criminal charges, and maintaining peace and security across the Bangsamoro region.
While the police operation has resulted in the death of one of the two accused brothers, authorities continue to pursue the surviving warrant subject. The circumstances surrounding the encounter and the recovered evidence remain subject to appropriate investigation and forensic examination.