Most wanted suspect killed in Lanao del Sur police operation

LANAO DEL SUR — A murder and robbery suspect listed among the region's most wanted individuals was killed during a police operation in Calanogas, Lanao del Sur, over the weekend, authorities reported Tuesday, 10 November.

Police identified the slain suspect as Dimao Hadji Racman Cabugatan, ranked seventh on both the regional and provincial most wanted lists.

His brother, Camalo Hadji Racman Cabugatan, alias “Mamalo,” who is also facing murder and robbery charges, escaped during the operation.

According to the initial police report, tracker teams were serving arrest warrants against the brothers in Barangay Pantaon when Dimao allegedly opened fire with an M14 rifle, striking a police ballistic shield.

Officers returned fire, critically wounding the suspect.

Police said Camalo fled through the back of his residence and allegedly fired at pursuing officers.

During the withdrawal, gunfire reportedly struck the lead police vehicle, forcing personnel to take cover before leaving the area.

Dimao was taken to DSBMM Hospital, where he was declared dead on arrival.

Authorities recovered an M14 rifle, 30 rounds of ammunition, three rifle magazines, five spent cartridge cases and a black bandolier.

The evidence was turned over to the Provincial Forensic Unit for examination.

The arrest warrants were issued by the Regional Trial Court Branch 11 in Malabang, Lanao del Sur, under Criminal Case Nos. 1437-2026 and 1438-2026, with no bail recommended.

Police said follow-up operations were underway to locate and arrest Camalo.