PNP condemns ambush that killed 5 cops in Maguindanao del Sur

The Philippine National Police has condemned the ambush of its personnel in Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao del Sur, which left five police officers dead and three others wounded on the evening of March 28, 2026.

In a statement, the PNP said members of the 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company were attacked by unidentified armed suspects while they were on their way back to their detachment after conducting patrol and police visibility operations. The suspects fled.

Authorities described the attack as a “senseless and cowardly” act and a direct assault on law enforcement.

The wounded personnel were immediately brought to nearby medical facilities and are currently receiving treatment.

PNP chief Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the agency has launched intensified hot pursuit operations in coordination with the Armed Forces of the Philippines to identify and arrest those responsible.

“This heinous act is a direct threat to peace and order,” Nartatez said, as he gave assurance that the PNP is taking "all necessary measures" to ensure justice for the victims.

The police force also extended condolences to the families of the fallen personnel, describing them as individuals who demonstrated bravery and dedication in the line of duty.

Nartatez also committed to extend to the injured all the necessary support systems to ensure their recovery.

“An attack on any police officer, especially while in the performance of duty, is an attack on the PNP as a whole. The entire police organization will run after those involved. That is our commitment,” Nartatez said.

“We will not waver. This attack will not go unanswered. Justice will be swift, certain, and uncompromising,” he added..

“If there is a need to deploy more policemen, especially from our elite units, so be it. Our focus is to get all the perpetrators in the interest of justice and peace and order,” Nartatez said.

Security forces have yet to identify the assailants, while operations are ongoing in the area as authorities tighten security measures in Shariff Aguak and nearby communities.

Nartatez also thanked Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua for committing to assist in the conduct of the probe and in holding accountable those involved in the incident.

The PNP chief also ordered the regional director of the Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (PRO-BAR) to establish communication lines with the family of the police officers to ensure the necessary support is extended to them. —MCG/KG, GMA Integrated News