MATALAM, Cotabato — Three individuals, including the province’s Top 1 Most Wanted Person, were killed Thursday morning, February 19, after a police operation to serve arrest warrants turned into an armed encounter in Purok 6, Barangay Kilada.
The primary target, identified as Ian Manial, was facing multiple charges related to illegal drugs. Authorities said Manial was the number one most wanted person in Cotabato Province at the time of the operation.
According to the Matalam Municipal Police Station (MPS), a joint team composed of police and military personnel arrived at the area around 8:30 a.m. to serve two warrants of arrest against Manial. The warrants were issued for alleged violations of Republic Act 10883 and Section 11, Article II of Republic Act 9165, also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
Armed Confrontation
Police said the suspect allegedly sensed the presence of authorities and opened fire using a long firearm, prompting operatives to return fire. The exchange of gunfire resulted in Manial and two unidentified companions sustaining gunshot wounds.
All three were rushed to a nearby hospital but were declared dead on arrival by the attending physician.
Lt. Col. Arnel Melocotones, chief of the Matalam MPS, confirmed that Manial had long been on the provincial most wanted list due to pending drug-related cases.
Recovered Evidence
Following the encounter, authorities secured and cordoned off the area to conduct a thorough investigation. The Provincial Forensic Unit carried out a Scene of the Crime Operation to document and collect evidence.
Among the items recovered at the scene was a grenade, which has been turned over to the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team for proper examination and handling. Investigators are also verifying other pieces of evidence seized during the operation.
Police have yet to release the identities of the two other fatalities, as efforts are ongoing to confirm their names and determine their possible involvement in illegal activities.
Joint Law Enforcement Effort
The operation was led by the Matalam MPS, with support from various units under the Cotabato Police Provincial Office, the Philippine National Police Special Action Force (PNP-SAF), the Highway Patrol Group, and the 40th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army.
Authorities emphasized that the operation was conducted to enforce standing warrants issued by the court and reiterated their commitment to intensifying the campaign against illegal drugs and other criminal activities in the province.
Ongoing Investigation
The Matalam Municipal Police Station continues to conduct a comprehensive investigation to establish the full circumstances surrounding the encounter, including the origin of the recovered explosive and firearms, as well as the possible involvement of other individuals.
Police officials assured the public that a detailed report will be submitted and that all evidence will undergo proper verification as part of due process.
The incident underscores the continuing anti-criminality drive in Cotabato, particularly against high-value and most wanted individuals facing serious drug-related charges.