NEWS
29March
Iqbal condemns ‘senseless’ ambush of police in Maguindanao del Sur
- Mar 29, 2026
- Taher G. Solaiman
- HITS: 763
SHARIFF AGUAK, Maguindanao del Sur — Mohagher Iqbal, Chairman of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Peace Implementing Panel, issued a scathing condemnation Sunday following a deadly ambush that claimed the lives of five police officers and left three others wounded in Barangay Mother Poblacion.
The attack occurred at approximately 9:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 28, targeting personnel from the 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company of the Maguindanao del Sur Police Provincial Office.
The officers were reportedly returning to their headquarters at Camp Datu Akilan after conducting nighttime patrol operations in the town center when unidentified gunmen opened fire.
A "Grave Affront to Peace"
In a statement, Iqbal described the incident as a "senseless act of violence" and a "grave affront to peace, justice, and the rule of law."
He emphasized that such attacks directly threaten the hard-won stability of the region.
"Acts of violence such as this have no place in a society striving for lasting peace and development," Iqbal stated.
"They undermine the collective gains of the peace process and threaten the stability that communities have worked so hard to build," he said.
Casualties and Investigation
Local police authorities identified the five fallen patrolmen as Kenneth Perocho, Al-Fatah Marohom, Amil Bangsa, Arsenal Sivih, and Sayed Ridwan.
Three others, including a police lieutenant, were injured and are currently receiving treatment at a nearby hospital.
Iqbal called upon "concerned authorities" to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation to ensure accountability. He urged the Bangsamoro community to remain united against violence and reaffirmed the MILF's commitment to a path guided by dialogue and justice.
Rising Tensions in the Area
The ambush site, located on the road leading to the provincial police headquarters, has historically been a flashpoint for violence.
This latest incident follows a string of recent attacks in the municipality, including an ambush in February that killed a relative of the town's mayor.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Army’s 601st Infantry Battalion have launched intensified manhunt operations to track down the perpetrators.
Official Statement Mohagher Iqbal, Chairman of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Peace Implementing Panel
Official Statement Mohagher Iqbal, Chairman of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Peace Implementing Panel
Time in Cotabato
Most Read
