PRO 9 Releases Official Statement on Sinunuc Incident
Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay, April 23, 2026 - The Police Regional Office 9 (PRO 9) on issued an official statement regarding the pre-dawn law enforcement operation in Barangay Sinunuc that resulted in a firefight earlier today.
According to PRO 9, the joint operation was carried out at around 1:30 a.m. in Alas-as Drive to serve multiple warrants of arrest against a suspected member of an armed group wanted for murder, who had reportedly been monitored in the area.
Authorities said operatives from the Philippine National Police and the Armed Forces of the Philippines properly identified themselves upon arrival and initially intended to carry out the arrest peacefully. However, the situation escalated when unidentified individuals allegedly opened fire at the operating team, posing an immediate threat to their safety.
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In response, law enforcement personnel employed what was described as necessary and reasonable force in self-defense, resulting in a brief exchange of gunfire.
Police said emergency medical assistance was immediately requested following the incident, and the wounded were promptly transported to the nearest hospital for treatment.
Initial items recovered from the scene included an M16 rifle and a hand grenade, which are now part of the ongoing investigation.
PRO 9 emphasized that the entire operation was conducted in accordance with established police operational procedures, noting that the personnel involved were equipped with body-worn cameras as part of standard protocol.
The regional police office also assured the public that a thorough and impartial investigation is underway to determine the full circumstances surrounding the incident, with strict adherence to the rule of law.
