Isulan, Sultan Kudarat – January 13, 2025
A gunman was killed, and a police officer was injured during a confrontation at a checkpoint in Barangay Impao, Isulan, Sultan Kudarat. The incident occurred amidst heightened security measures for the nationwide election-related gun ban.
The injured officer has been identified as Police Master Sgt. Jenathan Mastura Waguia, a member of the Sultan Kudarat Provincial Highway Patrol Team under the Regional Patrol Unit 12. According to the police investigation, Waguia and his team were manning a checkpoint to enforce the gun ban and apprehend individuals carrying unauthorized firearms.
Authorities reported that the incident began when officers stopped an unregistered minivan at the checkpoint. The suspicious vehicle was impounded, and Sgt. Waguia rode along in the minivan to transport it to the headquarters in Isulan.
While en route, a motorcycle-riding gunman followed the vehicle and opened fire on Waguia. Despite sustaining injuries to multiple parts of his body, Sgt. Waguia managed to return fire, fatally shooting the assailant. The gunman died instantly at the scene.
Investigators believe the gunman was an accomplice of the unidentified owner of the impounded minivan. Efforts are ongoing to identify and apprehend the suspect involved in the attack.
Meanwhile, security measures at checkpoints in the area have been intensified to prevent further incidents. The police have called on the public to remain vigilant and cooperate with authorities as they continue to enforce the gun ban ahead of the elections.