The Philippine National Police on Thursday vowed to intensify operations against lawless armed groups after a clash in Banisilan, Cotabato left three armed suspects dead during the service of arrest warrants.

PNP chief Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the operation underscored the police force's resolve to enforce the law against armed fugitives despite the risks faced by law enforcers.

The intensified operations are in line with the directive of Ferdinand Marcos Jr., through the guidance of Jonvic Remulla, to strengthen law enforcement operations against armed criminal groups.

"The operation gives the public a glimpse of the serious risks that their policemen face on a daily basis in the interest of peace and order, the rule of law, and safety and welfare of everyone," Nartatez said.

The firefight broke out at around 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday, 8 July, in Sitio Kinamuran, Barangay Pantar, Banisilan during a joint operation by the Banisilan Municipal Police Station Tracker Team, the Police Regional Office 12 Regional Intelligence Division Tracker Team Echo, and soldiers from the Army's 33rd Infantry Battalion.

Authorities were serving arrest warrants against the group of Medalya Sultan Tidong, also known as "Commander Tanda," who is wanted for direct assault, attempted murder, and double frustrated murder with multiple attempted murder.

Police were also serving warrants against Zenaida Lao Tidong, alias "Madam Auring"; Wawie Mananpen Sultan, alias "Wawi"; Minsu Pagumping Sultan, alias "Mra"; and Jack Capatoy Sultan, alias "Tata" for separate drug, explosives and firearms cases.

According to police, the suspects opened fire after spotting the operating teams, triggering an armed encounter that left three unidentified members of the armed group dead. The remaining suspects fled toward Sitio Kalantay.

No government personnel were injured during the operation. Authorities recovered two M16 rifles and a magazine-fed shotgun from the encounter site.

Following the clash, Nartatez directed Police Regional Office 12 to intensify the manhunt for Commander Tanda and the other wanted suspects. He also ordered nearby police stations to remain on heightened alert to prevent retaliatory attacks and block possible escape routes.

"I commend our personnel for their professionalism under a dangerous situation. We will relentlessly pursue the remaining fugitives through lawful means," Nartatez said.