SAGUIARAN, Lanao del Sur (March 29, 2026) — A police officer and his civilian companion were shot dead in a brazen early morning attack in Barangay Paglamatan, authorities confirmed on Sunday.
The victims were identified by the Philippine National Police in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (PNP-BARMM) as Police Corporal Walid Buleg Sangcopan, 42, a resident of Bayang, Lanao del Sur, and a 27-year-old man identified only by his alias “J.R.,” a resident of Bukidnon.
Initial police reports revealed that the victims were on board a gray Toyota Innova (Plate No. ZTV289) when they were ambushed by still unidentified gunmen. The suspects reportedly opened fire using caliber .45 pistols, killing both victims on the spot.
The attack occurred in the pre-dawn hours, catching the victims off guard and underscoring the continuing security challenges in parts of Lanao del Sur.
Authorities have yet to determine the motive behind the killing, including whether it was related to personal grudges, law enforcement duties, or other factors. Investigators are also working to identify the assailants and establish the sequence of events leading up to the fatal shooting.
The PNP-BARMM has launched a full-scale investigation and is coordinating with local officials and other law enforcement units to gather evidence and pursue leads. Checkpoints and security measures are expected to be intensified in the area to prevent further violence and ensure public safety.
The killing of a police officer highlights the risks faced by law enforcement personnel in conflict-prone areas, even as the government continues to push for peace and stability in the Bangsamoro region.
Authorities urge anyone with information regarding the incident to come forward and assist in the ongoing investigation.