Police serving arrest warrants kill 12 in fierce fighting

MAGUINDANAO – Over a dozen people were killed in fierce fighting Saturday between security forces and gunmen in the troubled Muslim province of Maguindanao, officials said.

Police photos show members of the Special Action Force and gunmen killed in battle in the restive province of Maguindanao on Saturday, January 23, 2021. Police commandos also recovered assorted weapons from the slain gunmen.

 

Officials said policemen, backed by soldiers, were trying to arrest Pendatun Talusan, a former village chieftain in Limbo in Sultan Kudarat town, and several of his followers.

 

Talusan and his group engaged security in battle for 5 hours until he and 12 of his armed followers were slain. One policeman, Staff Sergeant Elenel Pido, was also killed and four others wounded in the fighting – Captain Ronillo Daligdig Jr, Patrolmen Cayl Jun Gonzales and John-Ryan Aquino, and Corporal Gyvard Bando – all members of the Special Action Force.

 

Colonel Donald Madamba, the provincial police chief, said Talusan and some of his followers were facing a string of criminal charges. He said security forces recovered assorted weapons from Talusan’s house.

Brigadier General Samuel Rodriguez, the regional police chief, reported to National Police Chief Debold Sinas that Talusan was facing charges of carnapping, robbery with homicide, and double frustrated murder. He said Talusan’s brother Abdullah and Bembi were also killed in the battle.  

Sinas condoled with the family of the slain policeman. “Police Staff Sergeant Elenel Pido unfortunately died during battle. I extend the deepest sympathy of the PNP to his orphaned family whom we assure of all the benefits and support,” he said, and commended those involved in the operation for “their gallant efforts to overcome the onslaught of attack.” (Rhoderick Beñez)

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