SEVEN people were killed during the service of an arrest warrant in Rajah Buayan in Maguindanao on Wednesday dawn, June 22, 2022.

The Bangsamoro Police Regional Office said in a report that police operatives were serving an arrest warrant against Turkey Utto Utap, Katendeg Mustapha and several of their “cohorts” around 4 a.m. in Barangay Mileb when a firefight ensued.

The suspects have standing arrest warrants for frustrated murder issued by a Cotabato Court in January 2021 and robbery with homicide issued by the same court in September 2021.

“Upon [the] arrival of the operating team, suspects fired upon which resulted in the wounding of [Patrolman] Benjamin Dalimbang Laguialam,” police said.

“At that juncture, the operating team immediately retaliated which resulted in the death of Turkey Utto Utap and six of his cohorts,” it added.

Laguialam was brought to Cotabato Regional Medical Center for treatment.

Five other individuals were arrested during the operation. Charges are being prepared against them.

Recovered from the suspects were various firearms and ammunition. (SunStar Philippines)