Siasi, Sulu — Authorities have launched an extensive search, rescue, and investigation operation following a deadly strafing incident at sea between Barangay Tangkulan in Tapul and Barangay Tara in Siasi on Monday night, March 30.
The attack occurred at approximately 8:35 p.m., when a civilian speedboat traveling from Jolo, Sulu came under fire from four still unidentified armed suspects riding two motorboats, according to initial police reports.
The assault left at least three people dead, including a three-year-old child, underscoring the brutality of the attack. Two other passengers sustained injuries, while three individuals remain missing—among them a pregnant woman—raising fears of a higher death toll. Four passengers managed to survive the incident.
Responding units from multiple agencies immediately rushed to the scene to verify reports and conduct rescue and retrieval operations. These included personnel from the 4th Platoon of the 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company, Siasi Municipal Police Station, the 104th Infantry Battalion of the 11th Infantry Division, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO), the Municipal Local Government Operations Office (MLGOO), and the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Siasi.
Search and retrieval efforts remain ongoing as authorities scour the surrounding waters for the missing victims. Coordination among security forces and local officials has been intensified to ensure a swift response and to prevent further escalation.
Meanwhile, investigators are working to determine the motive behind the brazen attack, which has once again raised serious concerns over maritime security in the province.
As of this writing, the identities of the victims and the perpetrators have yet to be released. Authorities are urging anyone with information that could aid the investigation to come forward.
The incident adds to the growing list of violent attacks in parts of Sulu, highlighting persistent security challenges in the region despite ongoing peace and order efforts.