The Philippine National Police (PNP) mobilized forces Wednesday to assist the military in a manhunt for gunmen who attacked two soldiers in Basilan province earlier this week.

Acting PNP chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. directed the Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region to coordinate with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) for pursuit operations and to implement stricter security measures across the province.

The attack occurred Monday when two members of the Army’s 45th Infantry Battalion were shot while purchasing supplies at a community store, approximately 200 meters from their camp in Tipo-Tipo.

Both soldiers were injured in the incident.

“We are coordinating and closely working with the Armed Forces of the Philippines not only in the conduct of pursuit operations but also in initiating security measures to prevent the repeat of this incident,” Nartatez said in a statement.

The PNP chief added that police units remain on heightened alert to deter further violence from lawless groups in the region.

Nartatez also instructed local police to increase community engagement to strengthen public trust and improve intelligence gathering.

“Our units, together with the military, are on heightened alert to prevent attacks and swiftly respond to any threat,” he said.