Shariff aguak: Police and military forces are now tracking down gunmen who ambushed and killed five police officers and injured three others, including a police captain, on Saturday night in Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao del Sur. Police also condemned the attack against police officers who were returning to their barracks after peacekeeping operations in Shariff Aguak town.

According to Philippines News Agency, the victims were members of the 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company of Maguindanao del Sur Police Provincial Office. Brig. Gen. Jaysen de Guzman, the BARMM police regional director, stated in a Sunday announcement that such acts against law enforcement officers will not be tolerated. The Maguindanao del Sur police have initiated intensified manhunt operations to identify and apprehend the perpetrators.

De Guzman assured the public that all necessary measures are being undertaken to bring those responsible to justice and hold them accountable. Capt. Guiseppe Tamayo, Maguindanao del Sur police provincial spokesperson, reported that the ambush occurred en route to Camp Akilan, the provincial police headquarters, when the officers were attacked by gunmen in Barangay Poblacion Mother, Shariff Aguak, around 9:10 p.m.

The five police officers were pronounced dead on arrival at the Bangsamoro Regional Medical Center in Datu Hoffer, Maguindanao del Sur, while three others remain in critical condition. Tamayo has withheld their identities pending official notification to their families.

The Army's 601st Infantry Battalion is collaborating with police in the manhunt across Shariff Aguak and nearby towns.