Authorities swiftly apprehended a suspected gunman following a coordinated law enforcement operation in Barangay Kamalig, Panamao, Sulu, on the afternoon of February 26, 2026, preventing what officials say could have escalated into a more serious security incident.
Joint elements of the Philippine Army and the Philippine National Police carried out the operation at around 4:40 p.m. in Panamao, Sulu after receiving a report of a shooting incident involving a .45 caliber pistol.
Responding troops from the 21st Infantry Battalion, also known as the “Invincible” Battalion, under the 1102nd Infantry Brigade, coordinated closely with officers from the local police station to track down the suspect. Authorities said the individual was quickly located and arrested without further violence. The intended victim in the reported shooting incident was unharmed.
The suspect is now under police custody and will undergo proper legal processing as investigators work to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Lt. Col. Ronald A. Borras, commanding officer of the 21st Infantry Battalion, emphasized that the rapid response demonstrated the effectiveness of strong coordination between military and police forces on the ground.
Meanwhile, Police Lt. Louie Navarro Duhaylungsod, Chief of Police of the Panamao Municipal Police Station, said the immediate joint action helped prevent a potential escalation and ensured the safety of residents in the area.
For his part, Brig. Gen. Alaric Avelino P. Delos Santos, commander of the brigade overseeing the responding unit, stressed that sustained cooperation between the Army and the police remains crucial in maintaining peace and order across Sulu, a province that has long faced security challenges.
Maj. Gen. Leonardo I. Peña, commander of Joint Task Force Orion and the 11th Infantry Division, reaffirmed the military’s continued support for law enforcement operations aimed at protecting communities and upholding the rule of law.
Military officials said the 11th Infantry Division remains committed to assisting partner agencies, safeguarding civilians, and sustaining the peace gains achieved in Sulu through sustained security operations and close collaboration with local authorities.