Buadipuso Buntong, Lanao del Sur — May 4, 2026
Five personnel of the Philippine National Police (PNP) were wounded after a routine service of a warrant of arrest escalated into a violent armed encounter in Barangay Lumbak, Buadipuso Buntong, Lanao del Sur, around 11:00 a.m. on Monday.
According to the Police Regional Office–Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (PRO BAR), the operation was led by the Buadipuso Buntong Municipal Police Station under Police Captain Nur Basher C. Cayda, in coordination with the Lanao del Sur Provincial Special Operations Group headed by Police Lieutenant Mubarrak G. Dimakuta, and units from the 41st Special Action Company of the PNP Special Action Force (SAF).
The target of the operation was identified as Sukair Diongcat, who is facing murder and attempted murder charges.
Sudden sniper fire triggers gun battle
Authorities reported that while officers were in the process of serving the warrant, they were suddenly fired upon by an unidentified assailant believed to be using a sniper rifle positioned from an unknown location.
The attack quickly escalated into a firefight between law enforcement personnel and armed individuals in the area, resulting in five police officers being wounded.
The injured personnel were immediately evacuated from the scene and classified as Wounded-in-Action (WIA).
Reinforcements deployed, armored vehicles sent
Police Colonel Caesar P. Cabuhat, Provincial Director of the Lanao del Sur Police Provincial Office, immediately responded to the incident and deployed additional forces to secure the area.
Reinforcements included SAF units, personnel from nearby police stations, and two light armored vehicles to strengthen security and support ongoing tactical operations on the ground.
Wounded officers receiving medical treatment
The five injured officers were rushed to the nearest hospital where they are currently receiving medical treatment. Authorities have yet to release detailed information regarding their exact condition.
Ongoing clearing operations and investigation
Security forces continue clearing operations in Barangay Lumbak as investigators work to determine the full circumstances of the attack, including the exact origin of the sniper fire and possible locations of the suspect.
Authorities have also maintained a heightened security posture in the area amid concerns of further armed threats following the incident.
As of this writing, the PNP has yet to release additional details while a full investigation into the violent encounter remains ongoing.