Five police officers were killed while three others were injured after their group was ambushed while returning to their headquarters on Saturday night, March 28.

According to a report by Jun Dimacutac, the fatalities were identified as Patrolmen Sahid, Marohom, Perocho, Amilbangsa, and Sibih, who were declared dead on the spot.

Meanwhile, the wounded officers were identified as Police Captain Gregory, Police Staff Sergeant Adam, and Patrolman Lauban. They were immediately brought to a nearby medical facility for treatment.

The circumstances surrounding the ambush remain under investigation as authorities continue to pursue the suspects behind the attack.

Maguindanao del Sur Representative Esmael “Toto” Mangudadatu strongly condemned the incident, calling it a serious threat to peace and security in the area.

Mangudadatu said that if even authorities are not safe in an environment where armed groups continue to proliferate, ordinary citizens are at even greater risk.

The lawmaker urged authorities to intensify efforts to disarm armed groups believed to be operating in the area to prevent further violence.