MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon — The Top 1 Most Wanted Person in Malaybalay City and Bukidnon was killed after allegedly resisting arrest and exchanging gunfire with police officers during an operation to serve a warrant of arrest in Sitio Lagaan, Barangay Apo Macote, Malaybalay City, on Thursday, September 24, 2026.
Police identified the slain suspect as Richard A. Dagno, 45, who was the subject of a standing warrant of arrest for murder issued by the Regional Trial Court Branch 45 in Malaybalay City.
According to the police account, the operation took place at around 11:58 a.m. as a joint team composed of the Tracker Team, various units of the Bukidnon Police Provincial Office, and the Regional Intelligence Unit 10 moved to implement the court-issued warrant against Dagno.
The Malaybalay City Police Station later issued an official statement confirming that an armed encounter occurred during what it described as a lawful police operation.
Police Say Suspect Opened Fire
Based on the police report, Dagno was spotted riding a motorcycle driven by a delivery rider identified as Bon, 38.
When the motorcycle stopped and police personnel moved to arrest Dagno, authorities said the wanted person allegedly resisted and fired at the pursuing officers.
The officers then returned fire, resulting in Dagno being hit twice in the chest. He sustained fatal gunshot wounds and died at the scene, according to the police account.
The circumstances surrounding the exchange of gunfire remain subject to the continuing police investigation and documentation of the operation.
Dagno had been listed by authorities as the Top 1 Most Wanted Person in Malaybalay City and Bukidnon because of the outstanding murder case against him.
Police reports also alleged that Dagno had been linked to shooting incidents in Malaybalay City and nearby areas and had been identified by authorities as a suspected gun-for-hire. Such allegations, however, remain matters for investigation and should not be treated as criminal convictions unless established in court.
Motorcycle Driver Arrested
The delivery rider who was reportedly with Dagno also attempted to flee after the shooting but was immediately apprehended by police personnel, according to authorities.
During a subsequent search, police allegedly recovered approximately 0.5 gram of suspected marijuana from Bon.
Authorities said the rider is expected to face a separate complaint for alleged violation of Section 11, Article II of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, concerning possession of dangerous drugs.
The alleged drug recovery will likewise be subject to the required documentation, laboratory examination, and legal proceedings.
Police Secure Apo Macote Area
Following the armed encounter, personnel of the Malaybalay City Police Station were immediately deployed to secure the area and help ensure the safety of residents in Apo Macote and neighboring communities.
In its official statement, the Malaybalay City Police Station, under the leadership of Police Lieutenant Colonel Joepet B. Paglinawan, said authorities were carrying out the necessary procedures and investigation in accordance with law, police rules, and operational protocols of the Philippine National Police.
Police also urged residents to remain calm and avoid going to or staying near the area where the encounter occurred in order to prevent further risks and confusion.
The public was likewise advised against circulating unverified information, photographs, or videos related to the incident, particularly materials that could cause unnecessary alarm in the community.
The police said it would continue its efforts to maintain peace and order, protect lives and property, and ensure the security of residents in Malaybalay City.
The death of Dagno closes the immediate pursuit of a suspect who had been the subject of a murder warrant, but questions surrounding the circumstances of the shooting, including the sequence of gunfire and the actions of all persons involved, remain matters for official investigation and appropriate legal review.