The National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) condemned the ambush of a police officer in Maguindanao del Sur, vowing full support for efforts to bring the perpetrators to justice.

Police Staff Sergeant Samsudin Utto Abdullah of the Datu Saudi Ampatuan Municipal Police Station was attacked on June 9 in Barangay Salbu, Datu Saudi Ampatuan.

In a statement on Wednesday, June 10, NAPOLCOM Commissioner Rafael Vicente R. Calinisan denounced the attack and underscored the government’s commitment to upholding the rule of law.

“Hindi dapat manaig ang takot at dahas laban sa batas. I assure the public that NAPOLCOM remains steadfast in supporting all efforts to protect communities from terrorism, criminality, and violent extremism,” Calinisan said.

“Those responsible for this attack must be pursued relentlessly and held fully accountable under the law,” he added.

Calinisan expressed full support for the Police Regional Office in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and other law enforcement units conducting pursuit and investigative operations to identify, arrest, and prosecute those behind the ambush.

He also offered prayers for the swift recovery of Abdullah and commended the officer’s dedication and courage in carrying out anti-criminality and anti-illegal drug operations in the area.