Sultan Kudarat Police Provincial Office—In a swift and decisive operation, joint forces from the Kalamansig Municipal Police Station (MPS) and the 2nd Sultan Kudarat Mobile Force Company apprehended two suspects linked to recent shooting incidents in Sultan Kudarat. The suspects were arrested during a hot pursuit operation conducted in Barangay Sangay, Kalamansig, Sultan Kudarat, at approximately 2:20 AM on January 10, 2025.
The shootings, which occurred earlier on January 9, claimed the lives of four individuals. The first incident transpired at around 5:45 PM in Purok Tambis, Barangay Sta. Clara, Kalamansig, while the second occurred at approximately 6:40 PM in Purok Nepa, Barangay Salaman, Lebak.
The arrested suspects were identified as:
- Alias “Oting-oting,” 21 years old, married, unemployed, and a resident of Barangay Namat, Palimbang, Sultan Kudarat.
- A 28-year-old male, married, unemployed, and a resident of Barangay Nalilidan, Kalamansig, Sultan Kudarat.
Authorities recovered several items during the operation, including:
- A Norinco 1911 A1 caliber .45 pistol (serial number 647521), loaded with a magazine and six rounds of ammunition.
- A Daewoo DP51 PARA 9mm pistol (serial number BA005760), loaded with a magazine containing 11 rounds of ammunition.
- A hand grenade.
- A Tecno Spark cellphone.
- A black RUSI MACHO TC 125 motorcycle with a sidecar and no license plate.
The victims of the tragic incidents were identified as:
- Lebak Shooting:
- Henry A. Racho, 51 years old, a teacher at Notre Dame of Salaman College.
- Erick James R. Moyet, 17 years old, both residents of Barangay Cadiz, Kalamansig.
- Kalamansig Shooting:
- Nestor M. Rondon, 67 years old, married, and a coordinator of the Divine Wealth Association.
- Marilou D. Rondon, 60 years old, married, and a Barangay Health Worker, both residents of Purok Pag-asa, Barangay Sangay, Kalamansig.
The suspects were informed of the charges against them and their constitutional rights during the arrest. They, along with the confiscated evidence, are currently under the custody of the Kalamansig MPS. Legal proceedings are underway, with charges to be filed at the Provincial Prosecutor’s Office of Sultan Kudarat.
PCOL Bernard L. Lao, Acting Provincial Director of the Sultan Kudarat Police Provincial Office, commended the efforts of the Kalamansig MPS and the 2nd Sultan Kudarat Mobile Force Company for their swift response and commitment to justice. “The apprehension of the suspects demonstrates our unwavering dedication to maintaining peace and order in the province. We assure the public that we will continue to exert all efforts to safeguard the safety and security of our communities,” Lao stated.
The Sultan Kudarat police urge residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to local authorities as they work towards achieving a safer province.