Survivor recalls blast, then gunfire in attack that killed 5 cops in Shariff Aguak

A survivor of the attack in Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao del Sur said that an explosion preceded the gunfire that eventually killed five police officers over the weekend

According to a report by GMA Regional TV's Efren Mamac on 24 Oras Weekend, the attack occurred past 9 p.m. Saturday night, as the police officers—members of the 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company—were attacked by unidentified armed suspects while on their way back to their detachment following patrol and police visibility operations.

Five were killed, while three others are receiving treatment in hospital.

"Sabi ng isang victim natin na wounded, iyong area ay madilim. And then, bigla na lang may sumabog. After ng pagsabog hindi na sila nakaalis dahil sinundan na agad iyong series of gunfire," said PNP PRO-BAR spokesperson Police Captain Steffi Salangut.

(One of the victims said that the area was dark, and suddenly something exploded. They were not able to leave because the blast was followed by gunfire.)

The police have already identified persons of interest in the incident, with revenge being seen as a possible motive.

"Tinitingnan pa rin natin yung mga possible motives nila kabilang na yung retaliation from previous law enforcement operations ng ating platoon, so iyong presence ng lawless armed group, meron din doon kaya nga nag-intensify na 'yan ng security operations," Salangut said.

(We are looking into possible motives including retaliation against previous law enforcement operations. There are lawless armed group presence in the area, which is why security operations there were stepped up.)

This is the fifth such incident in the area, the police added. 

PNP chief Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. and the Bangsamoro Government have extended their condolences to the families of the fallen officers. — BM, GMA Integrated News