Cop, ex-soldier died after face-off in Cotabato —police

KIDAPAWAN CITY —A member of the Philippine National Police assigned in Arakan, North Cotabato, and a former member of the Philippine Army who worked as security guard in a company, also in the town, died when they faced off in a running gun battle at about 7:45 a.m. on Thursday, the local police said Friday.

Cotabato Provincial Police Office director, Police Col. Henry Villar identified the slain policeman as Police Staff Master Sergeant Rofel Manuel, 44, member of the Arakan Municipal Police Station and a resident of Barangay New Cebu in nearby President Rojas, also in North Cotabato.

Also killed after the shootout was a certain Arnold Maligatong, 40, former member of the Philippine Army who worked as security guard for the Mountain Mix Mining Corporation located in Arakan town.

Villar said that Manuel, along with other members of the Arakan police, went to the house of Maligatong in Sitio Pine Tree, Barangay Libertad to serve a warrant for his arrest on a murder case that happened a few years back.

But Maligatong resisted arrest and tried to escape carrying a handgun.

During the chase, Manuel ordered the suspect to stop running and abide.

However, the ex-soldier defied the order and shot Manuel to the chest.

Badly hurt, Manuel was able to return fire and hit the suspect.  

Due to their fatal wounds, both were declared dead upon arrival at the nearest hospital in Arakan town, Villar said.

Recovered from the suspect was a caliber 45 handgun, two magazines, and eight rounds of ammunition for the pistol.

Villar, in a statement, expressed grief over the death of one of his brave operatives in Arakan.

He said Manuel deserved honor and recognition for his bravery – a trait considered as an “immeasurable contribution to the PNP organization.”  —LBG, GMA News