ILIGAN CITY — A police response to a disturbance call in Zone 3, Panul-iran, Barangay Abuno turned tragic late Tuesday night after a 54-year-old man was fatally shot during an attack on responding officers, and a 14-year-old girl was accidentally hit by a stray bullet during the confrontation.
According to reports received by the Iligan City police, the disturbance was reported past 10:00 p.m. on November 18. A mobile patrol team led by PCPT Michaelangelo C. Roldan, Officer-in-Charge, was immediately dispatched to the area.
Upon their arrival, officers encountered the suspect, who was armed with a bolo and a sickle. Investigators said that when one officer attempted to approach him, the man suddenly became enraged, charged toward the police, and struck one of them with the sickle, causing an abrasion on the officer’s right arm.
Facing an imminent threat to their lives, the officer and his buddy were forced to defend themselves, firing their service firearms to stop the attack. The suspect was hit and rushed to the hospital but was later declared dead.
During the gunfire, however, a 14-year-old girl was accidentally struck by a stray bullet. She was brought to the hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival, triggering grief and outrage in the community.
The Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) processed the area as authorities launched a full investigation into the incident.
In a statement, the Police Regional Office 10 (PRO10) expressed deep regret over the death of the minor, calling the incident “an unfortunate and heartbreaking outcome” of what they describe as a legitimate police response to a life-threatening situation.
“Our personnel responded to an urgent call for assistance involving an armed and aggressive suspect who posed an imminent threat to the lives of responding officers and nearby residents,” PRO10 said. “This tragic loss of innocent life is something we take with utmost seriousness.”
PRO10 extended its condolences to the girl’s family and assured the public of a thorough, impartial investigation. Firearms used by the responding officers have been submitted for forensic examination, and the personnel involved are undergoing standard investigative procedures.
The regional command also reaffirmed its commitment to professionalism and accountability, adding that appropriate action will be taken if lapses or violations of protocol are found.
Authorities appealed for public understanding as the investigation continues, even as the community grapples with the dual tragedy — the death of an armed suspect and the loss of a young life caught in the crossfire.