A member of the Philippine National Police-Special Action Force (PNP-SAF) was killed while four others were injured in an armed encounter in Buadiposo-Buntong, Lanao del Sur on Monday, May 4, 2026.

According to the Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (PRO-BAR), members of PNP-SAF and PNP Special Operations Group were about to serve an arrest warrant against thee people for attempted murder and murder when the suspects allegedly opened fire.

The operating team retaliated, which resulted in an exchange of fire.

During the firefight, a police corporal was killed while four others sustained injuries, including a police captain.

"Upon arrival nakita nila yung SAF, yung first team naputukan nila pumutok din yung tropa natin. Unfortunately, after 5 minutes after ng putukan meron na sniper sa likod ng tropa natin," Lanao del Sur Police Provincial Office Director,  Col. Caezar Cabuhat, said.

Authorities have launched a manhunt for suspects believed to be injured.

"For sure may tama yung dalawa kasi according doon sa SAF lalo na kay Captain Tamid-ay naputukan niya yun nakita niyang tumumba yung tatay," Cabuhat added.

PRO-BAR condemned the armed attack and urged those who have knowledge about the whereabouts of the suspects to come forward.

“This blatant act of violence and disregard for the rule of law against personnel performing their lawful duty is unacceptable and will not be tolerated,” PRO-BAR said.

Authorities have implemented tight security in the area as the situation slowly returns to normal.