Two policemen were killed while four others were wounded when a buy-bust operation resulted in an armed encounter with the suspects in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao del Norte on Friday, November 15, 2024.

Operatives of the PNP Drug Enforcement Group (PDEG)-Special Operations Unit-15 (SOU-15) together with the military, anti-illegal drug agents, and other police units launched a buy-bust operation, targeting a drug syndicate involved in the distribution of illegal drugs in the area.

When the transaction was consummated, the suspects noticed that they were dealing with law enforcement operatives and attempted to escape, which triggered an exchange of fire.

Two suspects were also wounded and got arrested while two other suspects escaped and are now subject of a manhunt operation.

Authorities also seized suspected shabu worth nearly P7 million.

Two policemen were killed while the two wounded police officers were brought to the hospital for treatment.

In a statement, Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (PRO-BAR) Director, Brigadier General Romeo Macapaz, ordered all personnel to heighten alert levels.

Macapaz assured the public that the PNP is committed to delivering justice to the fallen officers and their families.

“The Chief PNP, PGen Rommel Francisco Marbil, has ordered intensified law enforcement operations aimed at capturing all individuals involved in this criminal activity. The PNP will work closely with other law enforcement agencies to ensure that justice is served swiftly,” Macapaz said.