Ched Rick Gatchalian

Philippine National Police Special Action Force (PNP SAF) troops. PNP-CIDG

Article (news)

SAF trooper killed, one hurt in Sulu shootout

Karen De Guzman

ABS-CBN News

<div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1762420526674viber_image_2025-11-06_17-04-22-883.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Philippine National Police Special Action Force (PNP SAF) troops photo. <em style="text-align:left"> PNP-CIDG</em></span></span></span></div><p>A member of the Philippine National Police Special Action Force (PNP SAF) was killed while another was wounded in a gunfight that erupted during search operations in Sitio Talatak, Barangay Bato-Bato, Indanan, Sulu.</p><p>According to the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), the operations were conducted on October 30 by joint police and military forces implementing three search warrants for violations of the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.</p><p>The simultaneous raids resulted in the seizure of five loose firearms including three M16 rifles, one M14 rifle, and a caliber .45 pistol, and the arrest of one suspect identified as “Jul.”</p><div> </div><div><strong>GUNFIGHT ERUPTS </strong></div><p>Police said the subjects of the warrants were three brothers allegedly involved in illegal possession of firearms, gunrunning, and illegal drug activities in Sulu.</p><p>As the operating teams approached the house of the first subject, identified as “Daud,” he reportedly opened fire, hitting two SAF troopers, Police Corporal Albashir Lumalag and Patrolman Felix Ruado.</p><p>“Nung nag-implement na ng search warrant ang ating mga kasama, sila ay sinalubong ng burst of fires mula sa ating mga target personalities. Heavy ang firefight, kaya nga tayo ay nawalan ng kasama na binawian ng buhay,” said Police Major Helen Dela Cruz, spokesperson of the PNP-CIDG.</p><p>At the same time, another team approaching the residence of the second subject, “Alim,” also came under heavy gunfire.</p><p>Authorities returned fire, triggering an intense exchange that led to the deaths of “Daud” and another suspect identified as “Jammal.”</p><p>“Alim,” however, managed to escape during the firefight.</p><p>Police later arrested “Jul,” the third subject of the warrant, while “Padz,” a cousin of the suspects, was apprehended during clearing operations.</p><p>“Ang ating pong Indanan Municipal Police Station ay nakahuli ng isa pang tao na in possession of M16 rifle na nandun pa lang during the clearing operation, siya ay in flagrante delicto arrested,” Dela Cruz said.</p><div> </div><div><strong>FALLEN HERO</strong></div><p>The wounded SAF troopers were immediately evacuated and rushed to the Sulu Integrated Provincial Health Office.</p><p>However, Lumalag was declared dead on arrival by attending physicians.</p><p>Ruado, who sustained injuries, has since been declared in stable condition and discharged from the hospital.</p><p>In a statement, CIDG Acting Director Police Major General Robert Morico II paid tribute to the fallen trooper.</p><p>“I and the whole CIDG family, extend our deepest condolences to the bereaved family of Police Corporal Albashir Lumalag who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of a sworn duty. His dedication and commitment to service, courage, and bravery will be eternally honored and remembered,” said Morico.</p><p>The CIDG vowed to continue its campaign against criminality and the proliferation of loose firearms across the country.</p>

<p>A member of the Philippine National Police Special Action Force (PNP SAF) was killed while another was wounded in a gunfight that erupted during search operations in Sitio Talatak, Barangay Bato-Bato, Indanan, Sulu.</p>

A member of the Philippine National Police Special Action Force (PNP SAF) was killed while another was wounded in a gunfight that erupted during search operations in Sitio Talatak, Barangay Bato-Bato, Indanan, Sulu.