Police Officer and Civilian Killed in Lanao del Sur Ambush
In a tragic incident over the weekend, a police officer and a civilian were killed in an ambush in Lanao del Sur, prompting strong condemnation from Philippine National Police (PNP) leadership. The attack occurred in Barangay Paglamatan, Saguiaran, early on Saturday, March 28, 2026, claiming the lives of Police Corporal Walid Buleg Sangcopan, a member of the Bangsamoro police regional office, and his civilian companion.
PNP Chief Condemns Attack and Links to Terror Groups
PNP Chief General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. issued a statement on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, denouncing the ambush as senseless and cowardly. He revealed that the incident is believed to be connected to a local terror group, following recent police successes in neutralizing some of its members in previous months. This ambush came just hours after another deadly attack in Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao del Sur, where five police personnel were killed and three others wounded by alleged local terrorist groups.
Security Measures and Coordination with AFP
General Nartatez emphasized that directives have been issued to ground commanders, particularly in the Police Regional Office–Bangsamoro Autonomous Region, to identify and arrest the perpetrators. We are also reinforcing coordination with the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) to further strengthen the security measures in the entire Barmm to prevent violence from prevailing in the region, he stated. This move aims to enhance joint efforts in combating armed threats in Mindanao.
Ongoing Threats in Mindanao and PNP Response
The incident highlights the persistent threat posed by armed groups operating in parts of Mindanao. Nartatez stressed that the police force will not tolerate such violence, asserting, We will not let this pass and the Philippine National Police will respond with full force of the law. He underscored the commitment to maintaining law and order, despite the challenges posed by terrorist activities in the region.
This ambush serves as a stark reminder of the security risks faced by law enforcement and civilians in conflict-prone areas, with the PNP vowing to pursue justice and prevent further escalation of violence.
