Authorities have arrested one of the seven suspects allegedly involved in the ambush that wounded a policeman in Barangay Micolabo, Picong, Lanao del Sur.

According to the Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (PRO-BAR), the troops of the Picong, Municipal Police Station were heading back to the station on board their police car when they were ambushed by armed men on Thursday, April 18, 2024.

One of them was hit and sustained a gunshot wound in the right arm. He was taken to the hospital in Malabang town.

PRO-BAR has denounced the incident it described as ‘a reprehensible act of violence against our security forces.’

"Ang buong pwersa ng kapulisan ng PRO BAR ay patuloy na mananatiling alerto at handang kumilos laban sa krimeng naganap sa pag-ambush sa isa sa aming mga kasamahan. Nanawagan din kami sa publiko na makipagtulungan sa pamamagitan ng pagbibigay ng anumang impormasyon na makatutulong sa paghahanap at pagtukoy sa mga suspek upang sila ay mapanagot sa kanilang mga paglabag sa batas," PRO-BAR Director, Brigadier General Prexy Tanggawohn, said.

Following the ambush, operatives launched a hot pursuit operation after locating the whereabouts of the perpetrators. A firefight ensured, which resulted in the arrest of a 23-year-old man.

Seized from the suspect were a caliber .45 pistol and ammunition.

Police said the group was known for their alleged involvement in illegal drug trade in the area and that the ambush was part of the group’s retaliation due to police’s efforts to combat illegal drug activities.

Operatives continue to pursue the other six suspects.

"Hindi tayo titigil hangga't hindi natin nahuhuli ang mga may sala. We have already identified the suspects at patuloy ang ating mga kapulisan sa paghahanap sa kanila upang mapanagot sa kanilang mga kasalanan," he said. He also emphasized PRO BAR's commitment to ensure the safety of the community and its law enforcers,” Tanggawohn said.