“Better Surrender Now While There is Time Yet”—BARMM Chief to Ambushers as Police Hunt Intensifies in Maguindanao Ambush

BARMM chief orders ambushers to surrender as police hunt intensifies after 5 officers killed in Maguindanao ambush. (Photo: John Unson)

COTABATO CITY — “Better surrender now while there is time yet.” This was the firm warning of Abdulrauf Macacua as the police intensified their manhunt for the gunmen behind the ambush that killed five policemen in Shariff Aguak on Saturday night, March 28.

“We will run after you,” Macacua said in radio interviews, vowing that the Bangsamoro government would use its full authority to support police operations in tracking down the perpetrators. He added that local government units across Maguindanao del Sur are now working closely with security forces, urging the suspects to surrender and face justice.

Police create probe team

The victims—Patrolmen Kenneth Perocho, Al-Fatah Marohom, Amil Bangsa, Arsenal Sivih, and Sayed Ridwan—were onboard a pickup truck heading back to Camp Akilan after a peacekeeping mission when armed men opened fire along a route in Barangay Mother Poblacion.

Three others, Lt. Alfred Gregory, Staff Sgt. Adam Kamarudin Kansi, and Master Sgt. Abubakar Lauban, sustained injuries in the attack.

In response, the Police Regional Office in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region created a Special Investigation Task Group (SITG) to pursue the case. The unit is led by Maguindanao del Sur police chief Col. Salman Sapal under the supervision of regional director Brig. Gen. Jaysen De Guzman.

Authorities are looking into reports that the attackers may be remnants of the Dawlah Islamiya group, allegedly attempting to reassert influence and revive extortion activities targeting transport operators and businesses in Central Mindanao.

Attack condemned

Leaders across the Bangsamoro government strongly condemned the attack.

“We want the rule of law to prevail. Violence has no place in our communities,” said parliament member Naguib Sinarimbo.

Regional health minister and lawmaker Kadil Sinolinding Jr. said the parliament is now considering measures to strengthen support for police and military operations.

Meanwhile, Labor Minister Muslimin Sema has mobilized members of the Moro National Liberation Front to assist authorities in identifying those responsible.

“We are sad. We want justice for the five slain policemen,” Sema said.

Police said local officials have already pledged support to the SITG, as the region closes ranks in pursuit of justice.

About The Author

John Unson

John Unson is a veteran Filipino journalist who serves as a staff writer for the regions “Central Mindanao and BARMM” at The Philippine Star. He covers news and events in Mindanao — especially in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) and the broader Central Mindanao area. His reporting spans a wide range of topics including security incidents, terrorist-related developments, drug enforcement, smuggling operations, social issues, and regional politics.

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