MIDSAYAP, Cotabato — Five men allegedly involved in a motorcycle carnapping incident were arrested during a hot pursuit operation in Barangay Poblacion 6, Midsayap, Cotabato, on the morning of October 23, 2026, after an exchange of gunfire with responding police officers left at least one suspect injured.
The operation, conducted at around 6:55 a.m. by the Midsayap Municipal Police Station (MPS), in coordination with the National Capital Region Police Office’s Police Highway Patrol Unit Region 12 (NCPHT RHPU 12) and the 2nd Cotabato Provincial Mobile Force Company (PMFC), led to the recovery of the reported stolen motorcycle, a minivan allegedly used by the suspects, a .45-caliber pistol, ammunition, and other pieces of evidence.
Police identified the arrested individuals as alias Samser, Korsad Mohamad Kamal, Datu Mos Buagas Mampao, 21, alias Alshariff, and alias Amodin. Authorities said all five were residents of Barangay Timbangan, Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao del Sur.
Initial reports identified Samser and Kamal as among those injured during the incident, although the police account specifically described Kamal as having sustained an injury during the exchange of gunfire. The extent of their injuries and their subsequent medical condition were not immediately detailed.
Citizen’s report triggered pursuit operation
According to the police account, Midsayap MPS received information from a concerned citizen about the alleged theft of a matte-black Yamaha Mio motorcycle owned by a man identified only as alias Dexter, a livestock worker residing in Barangay Poblacion 6.
Police immediately launched a hot pursuit operation and intercepted a dark-gray minivan bearing plate number KAO 6467, which was occupied by the five suspects.
The allegedly stolen Yamaha Mio motorcycle was recovered during the operation.
Authorities said the suspects fired at the responding police officers, prompting the officers to return fire in what police described as an act of self-defense. Kamal was reportedly wounded during the exchange before all five individuals were apprehended.
The circumstances surrounding the reported gunfire exchange, including the sequence of events and the extent of the injuries sustained, remain matters for investigation.
Firearm, ammunition and vehicle keys seized
Aside from the Yamaha Mio motorcycle and the dark-gray minivan, authorities recovered a .45-caliber pistol, one spent cartridge, three live rounds of ammunition, one steel magazine, and keys for the motorcycle and minivan.
The recovered items were taken as evidence in connection with the investigation into the alleged carnapping and the reported use of a firearm during the encounter.
The suspects were brought to Midsayap MPS for documentation and further investigation.
Charges being prepared
Police said appropriate charges were being prepared for filing under Republic Act No. 10883, or the New Anti-Carnapping Act of 2016, and Republic Act No. 10591, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.
The potential charges cover the alleged unlawful taking of the motorcycle and possible firearms-related violations, subject to the findings of investigators and prosecutors.
The arrest of the five individuals does not, by itself, establish their guilt. The allegations must be tested through the appropriate legal process, and the suspects retain the right to be presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Midsayap MPS said it remained committed to maintaining peace and order and protecting the community.
Authorities have yet to provide further details on the alleged suspects’ individual roles in the incident, the circumstances of the reported firing, and the status of the cases following their arrest.