By Edwin Fernandez
PARANG, Maguindanao del Norte – Quick intervention by police and Moro elders in Lanao del Sur prevented potential bloodshed and ensured the safety of children caught in a law enforcement operation, an official said Tuesday.
Brig. Gen. Romeo Macapaz, director of the Police Regional Office in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (PRO-BAR), said the standoff occurred in Lumba Bayabao, Lanao del Sur on Monday when police attempted to serve an arrest warrant for illegal drug suspects.
The warrant, issued by the Regional Trial Court Branch 8 in Marawi City, was for two high-value targets with no bail recommended.
At about 5 a.m., police units moved in to execute the warrant but the suspects resisted and engaged officers in an hour-long firefight.
“During the exchange, local elders intervened and negotiated the suspects’ surrender to protect the children inside the house from getting caught in the crossfire,” Macapaz said in a statement, without naming the suspects.
Authorities seized an M203 rifle, an improvised Carbine rifle, a Molotov explosive, a 40mm rifle grenade, and ammunition from the suspects, who are now in custody awaiting court proceedings.
“This operation highlights the power of community cooperation in ensuring effective law enforcement and public safety,” Macapaz said. (PNA)
