MAGUINDANAO DEL SUR – The Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) convened a high-level joint conference on Thursday, April 2, 2026, to address a recent spike in security incidents and recalibrate peace and order strategies in the region.
The emergency meeting, held at the Maguindanao del Sur Police Provincial Office (PPO) Conference Room, was led by PNP Chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. and WestMinCom Commander Lt. Gen. Donald M. Gumiran. The dialogue follows a deadly ambush on March 28 in Shariff Aguak that left five police officers dead and a separate roadside explosion in Raja Buayan.
Discussions centered on the tactical details of the attack against personnel from the 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company (PMFC) and the improvised explosive device (IED) incident. Top officials assessed ongoing investigations and identified critical “operational gaps” that allowed the perpetrators to strike.
“Both sides underscored the importance of working together and sustaining strong collaboration with stakeholders and communities to effectively address security challenges in Mindanao,” the joint leadership stated, noting that the mission remains aligned with the “Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat at Nararamdaman” framework.
To prevent further lapses, Nartatez and Gumiran directed field commanders to immediately reassess the deployment of personnel and resources. The PNP and AFP agreed to enhance interoperability through synchronized communication systems and joint patrol efforts.
Commanders were also ordered to fast-track the recovery of firearms lost during recent encounters and expedite the repair of damaged patrol assets to maintain a high level of police visibility. The joint force vowed to intensify hot pursuit operations against the unidentified armed groups responsible for the recent unrest.
Also in attendance were PBGEN Ponce Rogelio I. Peñones, Acting Director for Operations; PBGEN Jaysen C. De Guzman, Regional Director of PRO-BAR; PBGEN Arnold P. Ardiente, Regional Director of PRO-12; and MGEN Jose Vladimir R. Caraga, Commander of the 6th Infantry Division.|
