KAUSWAGAN, Lanao del Norte — A 50-year-old farmer wanted for a drug-related offense was killed in an armed encounter with joint police and military personnel after he allegedly opened fire on authorities attempting to serve a warrant of arrest in Barangay Induran, Kauswagan, Lanao del Norte, on October 15, 2026.
The incident occurred at approximately 4:40 p.m. during a joint law enforcement operation involving the Kauswagan Municipal Police Station (MPS), the 1st Provincial Mobile Force Company (PMFC), the Provincial Intelligence Unit (PIU) of the Lanao del Norte Police Provincial Office (LDN PPO), Regional Intelligence Division 10 (RID 10), Bravo Company of the Philippine Army’s 44th Infantry Battalion, 1st Infantry Division, and the Army’s 2nd Mechanized Infantry Battalion.
The operation targeted a man identified only by the alias “Dau,” a resident of Barangay Inudaran, Kauswagan, who was the subject of a long-standing arrest warrant issued by the Regional Trial Court in Iligan City.
According to the police report, the operation escalated into an armed confrontation when the wanted individual allegedly attempted to evade arrest and fired at the operating personnel. Authorities said the armed resistance prompted an exchange of gunfire.
Dau sustained gunshot wounds to the left side of his chest and lower left back during the encounter. Responding personnel from the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) immediately transported him to Kauswagan Provincial Hospital for emergency medical treatment. However, the attending physician declared him dead on arrival.
Warrant stemmed from a 2012 drug case
The deceased was facing a charge for alleged violation of Section 11 of Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, which covers the unlawful possession of dangerous drugs.
The warrant of arrest was issued on September 28, 2012, by Judge Leonor S. Quiñones, presiding judge of the Regional Trial Court, Branch 6, 12th Judicial Region, in Iligan City. The warrant was issued under Criminal Case No. 06-15929, with a recommended bail bond of ₱200,000.
The circumstances surrounding the encounter, including the alleged exchange of gunfire, were detailed in the police account of the operation.
Firearm, ammunition and personal belongings recovered
Authorities recovered a caliber .45 Shooters Elite pistol bearing serial number E06896653, along with a steel magazine loaded with live ammunition and two additional caliber .45 cartridges.
Other items recovered at the scene included an olive-green sling bag containing personal belongings, a black sleeve, a black bonnet, amulets, medicines, a coin purse, a flashlight and a Nokia keypad mobile phone.
Investigators also recovered a pair of brown slippers, six fired cartridge cases of 9mm ammunition and one live 9mm cartridge.
The recovered firearm, ammunition and other items may form part of the documentation and investigation into the incident. The police report did not specify whether the recovered firearm had been subjected to ballistic examination or whether an independent investigation into the encounter had been initiated.
Police chief stresses lawful operations and protection of life
Lanao del Norte Police Provincial Office Provincial Director PCOL Leo De Leon Sua underscored the importance of protecting both law enforcement personnel and civilians during the implementation of arrest warrants.
“Our primary objective in serving warrants of arrest is to bring wanted individuals before the proper courts and ensure that justice is served through lawful means. We do not seek armed confrontation, and we always prioritize the preservation of human life. However, our personnel must also take appropriate and lawful measures to protect themselves and the public when confronted with an immediate threat,” Sua said.
The police official’s statement emphasized that arrest operations are intended to enforce judicial processes and bring accused individuals before the courts, while allowing authorities to respond to threats encountered during lawful operations.
The incident also highlights the risks faced by police and military personnel when serving arrest warrants against individuals suspected of being armed.
Remains returned to family
Following the incident, the remains of the deceased were turned over to his family and relatives and brought to Barangay Cayontor, Kauswagan, for burial preparations in accordance with Maranao traditions.
The Lanao del Norte Police Provincial Office reiterated its commitment to pursuing wanted persons, strengthening coordination among law enforcement and military units, and conducting operations in a lawful, professional and human rights-based manner.
While authorities maintain that the operation was met with armed resistance, the circumstances surrounding the fatal encounter remain matters that should be documented and assessed through appropriate investigative procedures.
The case underscores the continuing challenge of enforcing arrest warrants in a manner that protects public safety, respects due process and upholds the rule of law.