Patrolman Regim Lachica Gacod, a young Igorot from Kapangan, Benguet, and a member of the Philippine National Police - Special Action Force (PNP-SAF), was killed in an encounter between government forces and armed men in Barangay Bualo Lapid, Maimbung, Sulu.
Gacod was part of a joint operation by the PNP and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to serve a warrant of arrest and search warrant on Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) leader Pando Mudjasan and his associates in the area.
When the police operatives arrived at Mudjasan's compound, they were met with gunfire from Mudjasan's group. The police operatives returned fire, and a brief but intense firefight ensued.
During the firefight, Gacod was killed in the crossfire. Fourteen other policemen were also injured. Mudjasan and his associates were able to escape, but they are still being hunted by the authorities.
The incident is a reminder of the dangers that our law enforcement officers face every day. Gacod's death is a tragedy, but his sacrifice will not be forgotten. He will be remembered as a brave and dedicated police officer who gave his life in the line of duty.
Here are some additional details about the incident:
- The warrant of arrest was issued by the Sulu Regional Trial Court for Mudjasan's alleged involvement in the murder of a local politician in 2022.
- The search warrant was issued for Mudjasan's compound, which was reportedly being used as a hideout for armed men and a storage facility for weapons and explosives.
- The firefight lasted for about an hour, and it took the combined forces of the PNP and AFP several hours to secure the compound.
- Mudjasan and his associates are still being hunted by the authorities. They are considered armed and dangerous, and the public is advised to be vigilant.
