AN entrapment operation in Pigcawayan, Cotabato turned into an armed confrontation after two suspects engaged police authorities in a gunfight.
The operation launched by the Pigcawayan Municipal Police Station stemmed from information that a Toyota Avanza carrying some assorted smuggled cigarettes is traveling to Pigcawayan town.
Immediately, authorities responded to intercept the identified vehicle. However, the suspects had shown defiance to a routine vehicle stop while authorities were attempting to flag them down.
“According to report, they forced their way out by ramming their vehicle into the operating team. The suspects also fired upon the police personnel,” PNP OIC Lt. Gen. Vicente Danao Jr. said.
This violent resistance prompted authorities to apply reasonable force causing injury to both suspects.
They were immediately brought to the hospital but suspect Bhan Mangcong ALI died upon arrival to the hospital, while his companion Ali Musa is still given medical treatment after sustaining gunshot wounds.
A caliber .45 loaded with live ammunition was recovered from Ali’s possession.
Seized inside the vehicle were nine boxes of smuggled cigarettes worth P135,000.00.
“We thank the bravery of our police personnel who risked their lives in the fight against criminality,” Danao said.
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