Policeman’s Bus Rampage Leaves 1 Dead, 2 Officers Wounded

COTABATO CITY, Philippines — A policeman is now behind bars after a shocking shooting spree on a passenger bus at the Cotabato-Davao del Sur border before dawn on Saturday, December 28. The incident left one passenger dead and two responding officers wounded.

The suspect, Police Corporal Alfred Dawatan Sabas of Police Precinct 7 in General Santos City, was reportedly heavily intoxicated, according Phoenix Marie Delos Santos, his live-in partner. Delos Santos, and other passengers escaped unharmed.

Brig. Arnold Peralta Ardiente, director of Police Regional Office-12, assured the public that Sabas will be dismissed from the Philippine National Police (PNP).

Firing at Passengers

The incident unfolded inside a bus en route to Davao City when Sabas and Delos Santos began a heated argument. Witnesses say Sabas pulled out his Canik 9mm pistol and began firing at passengers as the bus navigated a downhill stretch of the Kidapawan-Digos Highway in Barangay Batasan, Makilala, Cotabato.

Reynaldo Bigno Jr., a fellow passenger, was fatally shot. He succumbed instantly to his injuries.

The bus driver managed to pull over near a police checkpoint in Barangay New Opon, Magsaysay, Davao del Sur. As police officers attempted to intervene, Sabas shot and seriously injured Corporal Kent Maurith Pamaos, and Patrolman Russel Love Tapia. Both policemen are members of the 11th Regional Mobile Force Battalion.

Sabas tried to flee but other responding policemen apprehended him. The wounded policemen are now recovering in a hospital.

Charges of Murder and Frustrated Murder

Family members of Sabas in Kidapawan City described him as a heavy drinker prone to trouble, with suspicions of drug use. Delos Santos, his partner of over two years, has a history of drug-related offenses.

Earlier this year, she was arrested in a buy-bust operation in Kidapawan City.

Investigations continue into Sabas’ background and actions leading up to the deadly attack.

Sabas is a native of Kidapawan City. He is detained and facing charges of murder and frustrated murder.

The tragic incident has sparked outrage and calls for accountability. Local authorities vowed swift 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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