Three fully armed men were killed while a policeman was injured during an armed encounter in Polomolok, South Cotabato.

Authorities said several fully armed members of a lawless group were sighted at Camp Española in Purok Salol, Palkan on July 15, 2024.

The following day, two residents went to the police station to report the presence of the armed men at their farm.

Troops of the Army’s 5th Special Forces Battalion and the police responded to the area and as they were approaching, around eight gunmen opened fire and hit one of the police officers.

The operating team retaliated and an exchange of fire ensued, which lasted for more than an hour.

The firefight resulted in the death of three suspects and the arrest of another.

Recovered from the clash site were three firearms and assorted ammunition.

Authorities are investigating the incident.

Lt. Gen. William Gonzales, commander of the Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom), lauded the police and military troops for thwarting the armed lawless group from wreaking havoc and victimize civilians.

“Rest assured that our troops will continue to support law enforcement operations with the PNP to preempt the ploys of lawless elements in our area of operation,” Gonzales said.