NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
10 Hour Gunfight Leads To Casualties Of Government Forces
Photo credit: PNP
Maimbung, Sulu - In a highly intense operation conducted by government forces today, a fierce firefight broke out with armed men at Brgy. Bualo Lipid. The operation aimed to serve a Warrant of Arrest (WOA) for the crime of Murder against Mudjasan and implement a Search Warrant (SW) to confiscate firearms and explosives reportedly in his possession. Mudjasan is believed to be employing armed civilians and maintaining an arsenal of loose firearms and explosives.
The joint operations, as reported to PNP Chief Police General Benjamin C Acorda Jr., involved personnel from the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), Sulu Provincial Police Force Unit (PFU), 7th Special Action Battalion (7SAB), Fire Support Battalion (FSB), and Regional Drug Enforcement Battalion (RDB) units of the PNP Special Action Force (PNP SAF), among others. Various law enforcement agencies, including the Philippine Army's 41st Infantry Battalion (IB, 11ID, PA) and the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA 9), also participated in the operation.
During the encounter, government forces engaged an undetermined number of enemies, resulting in casualties on both sides. Tragically, one member of the 7SAB unit, identified as PAT REGIM L GACOD, was declared dead upon arrival at Maimbung Hospital. Additionally, fourteen government personnel sustained gunshot wounds, while one soldier from the 41st IB, 11ID, PA, was also wounded. The wounded personnel were promptly transported to undisclosed medical facilities for immediate treatment.
LtCol Dominador D Mauricio, Battalion Commander of the 7SAB, PNP SAF, reported the recovery of one cadaver from the firefight. However, the exact number of casualties and wounded from Mudjasan's group remains undetermined at this time. Despite their valiant efforts, the government forces were unable to apprehend Mudjasan, who managed to escape amidst the early stages of the firefight.
Among the items seized during the operation were one M14 Rifle, four magazines, assorted ammunition, and personal belongings. The CIDG PFU9 has taken custody of these pieces of evidence for documentation and proper disposition.
The firefight commenced at approximately 7:30 am and lasted for nearly 10 hours, concluding at around 5:30 pm on the same day. Authorities have launched a thorough investigation into the incident to gather additional information and ascertain the full extent of the operation.
Expressing his condolences to the family and loved ones of PAT Gacod, Police General Benjamin C Acorda Jr., PNP Chief, assured that the necessary benefits for the fallen comrade would be provided to his family promptly. Acorda also extended sympathies to the injured personnel, emphasizing that they would receive the required medical attention, while their families would be supported throughout their recovery process.
PBGEN Redrico Maranan, in line with the instruction of CPNP, affirmed that the wounded personnel would receive appropriate medical care and comprehensive assistance for their speedy recuperation.
In recognition of the bravery and dedication demonstrated by the law enforcement personnel involved in the operation, Acorda commended their valor despite the inherent risks. He acknowledged their unwavering commitment to uphold the rule of law and maintain peace and order in the communities. Acorda pledged that the PNP would utilize all available resources and forces to track down the individuals involved and ensure they face justice.
Furthermore, Acorda emphasized that the PNP remains steadfast in its commitment to protect and serve the Filipino people. The organization will continue to enhance its operational capabilities in order to effectively pursue private armed groups and maintain peace and security throughout the nation.
The investigation into the firefight and the search for Mudjasan and his associates are ongoing. The PNP, together with other concerned agencies, is determined to bring the perpetrators to justice and uphold the safety and well-being of the Filipino populace.
The joint operations, as reported to PNP Chief Police General Benjamin C Acorda Jr., involved personnel from the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), Sulu Provincial Police Force Unit (PFU), 7th Special Action Battalion (7SAB), Fire Support Battalion (FSB), and Regional Drug Enforcement Battalion (RDB) units of the PNP Special Action Force (PNP SAF), among others. Various law enforcement agencies, including the Philippine Army's 41st Infantry Battalion (IB, 11ID, PA) and the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA 9), also participated in the operation.
During the encounter, government forces engaged an undetermined number of enemies, resulting in casualties on both sides. Tragically, one member of the 7SAB unit, identified as PAT REGIM L GACOD, was declared dead upon arrival at Maimbung Hospital. Additionally, fourteen government personnel sustained gunshot wounds, while one soldier from the 41st IB, 11ID, PA, was also wounded. The wounded personnel were promptly transported to undisclosed medical facilities for immediate treatment.
LtCol Dominador D Mauricio, Battalion Commander of the 7SAB, PNP SAF, reported the recovery of one cadaver from the firefight. However, the exact number of casualties and wounded from Mudjasan's group remains undetermined at this time. Despite their valiant efforts, the government forces were unable to apprehend Mudjasan, who managed to escape amidst the early stages of the firefight.
Among the items seized during the operation were one M14 Rifle, four magazines, assorted ammunition, and personal belongings. The CIDG PFU9 has taken custody of these pieces of evidence for documentation and proper disposition.
The firefight commenced at approximately 7:30 am and lasted for nearly 10 hours, concluding at around 5:30 pm on the same day. Authorities have launched a thorough investigation into the incident to gather additional information and ascertain the full extent of the operation.
Expressing his condolences to the family and loved ones of PAT Gacod, Police General Benjamin C Acorda Jr., PNP Chief, assured that the necessary benefits for the fallen comrade would be provided to his family promptly. Acorda also extended sympathies to the injured personnel, emphasizing that they would receive the required medical attention, while their families would be supported throughout their recovery process.
PBGEN Redrico Maranan, in line with the instruction of CPNP, affirmed that the wounded personnel would receive appropriate medical care and comprehensive assistance for their speedy recuperation.
In recognition of the bravery and dedication demonstrated by the law enforcement personnel involved in the operation, Acorda commended their valor despite the inherent risks. He acknowledged their unwavering commitment to uphold the rule of law and maintain peace and order in the communities. Acorda pledged that the PNP would utilize all available resources and forces to track down the individuals involved and ensure they face justice.
Furthermore, Acorda emphasized that the PNP remains steadfast in its commitment to protect and serve the Filipino people. The organization will continue to enhance its operational capabilities in order to effectively pursue private armed groups and maintain peace and security throughout the nation.
The investigation into the firefight and the search for Mudjasan and his associates are ongoing. The PNP, together with other concerned agencies, is determined to bring the perpetrators to justice and uphold the safety and well-being of the Filipino populace.
Jun 26, 2023
