Four dead as gov’t forces try to serve arrest warrant on suspect in Polomolok

December 22, 2020

Four people, including a guide, were killed in a clash between government forces who were trying to serve an arrest warrant on a murder suspect forces and a group of lawless elements in South Cotabato on Sunday, the military reported on Tuesday.

Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, Jr., head of the Western Mindanao Command, said joint military and police forces conducting a law enforcement operation were fired upon at the vicinity of Barangay Sumbakil, Polomolok on Sunday afternoon.

Vinluan said "based on the report the joint elements of the 5th Special Forces Battalion and Polomolok Municipal Police Station were to serve a warrant of arrest for murder against Tho Catucan at Purok 1, Barangay Sumbakil, Polomolok when they were fired upon by the subject personally and his armed cohorts."

“The two camps exchanged fire which resulted in the severe wounding of Catucan and two of his comrades identified as Jer Maguisulan and Rabino Kutin," he said.

Vinluan said the wounded enemies were immediately rushed to Polomolok Municipal Hospital but were declared dead on arrival (DOA) by the attending physician.

Lt. Col. Randy Banaag, commanding officer of the 5th Special Forces Battalion said the clash also resulted in the wounding of the two guides of the operating troops.

“We regret to report that one of the guides was declared dead on arrival by the attending physician at Polomolok Municipal Hospital,” he said.

“The other guide is currently admitted at the said hospital and is now in stable condition,” Banaag added.

“On behalf of the operating troops, I would like to extend my deepest sympathy to the family and relatives of the killed guide. I, likewise, commend his bravery and heroic deed,” said Brig. Gen. Roy Galido, head  of the 601st Infantry Brigade.

After the clash, troops recovered one caliber 45 pistol and one 9mm Uzi sub-machine pistol from the encounter site. Robina Asido/DMS