Sinas: Drug suspect, cop killed in Cotabato police ops

A drug suspect and a police officer were killed while two other cops were wounded following an operation in Alamada, Cotabato Wednesday, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said.

Interviewed on Super Radyo dzBB on Thursday, PNP chief Police General Debold Sinas said the suspect, identified as one Pilong  Selangan,  was a subject of an arrest warrant in violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

Citing reports from the Police Regional Office 12, Sinas said Selangan was killed in an encounter with the arresting team composed of different police and military elements.

According to Sinas, Patrolman Immanuel David Valez of Regional Mobile Force Battalion 12 died after sustaining multiple gunshot wounds during an armed encounter with the suspect.

Patrolman Mario Rapusa and Police Staff Sergeant James Byron Lagarto were also wounded.

An M16 rifle with two long magazines was recovered from the suspect, according to the PNP.

"Patrolman Valez sacrificed his life to accomplish the mission, while Patrolman Rapusas and Staff Sergeant Lagarto performed their duties well despite the risks involved," Sinas said.

PRO 12 Regional Director, Police Brigadier General MIchael John Dubria said assistance has been provided to the family of the deceased and to the wounded police officers. — Joviland Rita/RSJ, GMA News