Courtesy: PNP fb page
A FIERCE firefight broke out between government forces and armed men at Brgy. Bualo Lipid, Maimbung, Sulu. The operation was carried out to serve a Warrant of Arrest (WOA) for the crime of Murder and implement a Search Warrant (SW) against Mudjasan and his associates. Mudjasan is reported to be employing armed civilians and keeping in his possession loose firearms and explosives.
In a report to PNP Chief, Police General Benjamin C Acorda Jr., the joint operations involved personnel from CIDG, Sulu PFU (lead unit) , 7th Special Action Battalion, FSB, and RDB units of the PNP Special Action Force (PNP SAF), RMU-BAR, PIU Sulu PPO, Maimbung MPS, Sulu PIT, RIU9, PNP-IG, 1st and 2nd PMFC, RMFB BASULTA, NICA 9, SOCO (RCLO Sulu PPO), and the 41st IB, 11ID, PA.
The government forces encountered an undetermined number of enemies, resulting in casualties on both sides. Fourteen wounded and one killed from the government forces.
The wounded personnel suffered gunshot wounds on their bodies were identified as:
– PCPT Ergie T Wanawan
– PCpl Nelvin T Roble
– PCpl Butz Lenard M Bakidan
– PCpl Jayson M Cabalquinto
– PCPL Jerwin D Tongala
– PCPL John Lord V Paasa
– PCpl Simon H Ligmayo
– PCpl Vileo Raven V Jariolne
– PSSg Julakbar A Jahani
– PSSg Jadier R Alfad
– PCPL Alnadzmi Sahirani
– Pat Jasper Massagan
– Pat Jason D Dacio
– one personnel from 41st IB, 11ID, PA
Some of the wounded personnel were brought to an undisclosed medical facilities for immediate treatment.
Additionally, one member of the 7SAB unit, identified as PAT REGIM L GACOD, was declared dead on arrival at Maimbung Hospital.
According to LtCol Dominador D Mauricio, Batallion Commander, 7SAB,PNP SAF one cadaver of those involved in the firefight was recovered, there are still undetermined casualties and wounded from the group of Pando Mudjasan.
The government forces were not able to arrest Mudjasan because he was alerted due to the early start of the firefight.
Recovered items from the operation include one M14 Rifle, four magazines, assorted ammunition, and personal other items.
The firefight started at around 7:30am and concluded at approximately 5:30 PM of the same day.
CIDG PFU9 has taken custody of the seized pieces of evidence for documentation and proper disposition. The cadaver of the neutralized individual was claimed by immediate relatives.
“I would like to express my deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Pat Gacod, rest assured that the benefits due our fallen comrade will be given immediately to his family. I also extend my sympathies to those operating members who were injured in the recent firefight”, Acorda said.
PBGEN Redrico Maranan said “Upon the instruction of CPNP, those wounded will be receiving the necessary medical attention and that their families will get all necessary assistance to aid in their fast recovery. “
“I commend the valor and dedication displayed by our law enforcement personnel who participated in the operations. Despite the inherent risks involved, they fearlessly carried out their duty to serve and protect our communities. Their commitment to upholding the rule of law and maintaining peace and order is truly admirable. The PNP will use all our assets and forces to hunt down those people who are involved and we will not stop until they are behind bars,” Acorda added.
He also stated that the PNP remains steadfast in its commitment to protect and serve the Filipino people and will continue to enhance its operational capabilities to go after private armed groups.
