While it is the ultimate objective of every law enforcement encounter to minimize injury to everyone involved, nothing is promised in worst-case scenarios. – Tintin
It is, indeed, disheartening to hear news about cops losing their lives in the line of duty. Although every police officer has undergone training, and has put to mindset to stay firm in times of frightening circumstances, it cannot be removed in our human nature to get really emotional about life-threatening operations and casualties.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) mourned upon receiving the report on the tragic incident that occurred during a joint Law Enforcement Operation at Purok 7, Barangay New Panay in Aleosan, Cotabato on July 10, 2024. Five armed men and a Police Sergeant died while six policemen were wounded following an intense gun battle that stemmed from serving an arrest warrant in Cotabato.
PNP identified the slain policeman as Police Master Sergeant Jed Michael Gregorio, a Special Action Force (SAF) member of the Cotabato PNP who hailed from Davao Del Sur.
Based on reports, PMGen. Bernard Banac, head of the Area Police Command-Western Mindanao (APC-WM), said he immediately ordered all police units in Central Mindanao to be alert against fleeing members of the armed group led by Macabuat Salik alias “Kwat/Iskoh”. PMGen. Banac specifically tasked all the police maneuver forces in Soccsksargen (South Cotabato, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani and General Santos City) region to be on the lookout for other fleeing armed followers of Salik.
The team of Police Master Sergeant Jed Michael Gregorio was serving an arrest warrant against Salik in Purok 7, Barangay New Panay in Aleosan for violations of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, and Republic Act 10951 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.
Salik and four of his men died while putting up an armed resistance against the police team. However, the firefight, lasting 30 minutes, resulted to the death of PMSg Jed Michael Gregorio who was declared dead on arrival at the Aleosan District Hospital from multiple gunshot wounds, according to reports received by PBGen Percival Augustus Placer, Soccsksargen Regional Police Director. Six other wounded SAF members were identified as PCpt Marc Bryan S. Tamid-Ay, PCpt Kirk John P. Kollin, PSMS Alcher L. Dacula, PCpl Mark Joseph T. Galanta, Pat John Steven V. Luyun, and PCpl Emonrick Sornillo Gadat.
The five suspects, including Macabuat Salik alias “Kwat/Iskoh” were neutralized. Salik had been under surveillance for alleged involvement in cattle theft, armed robbery and drug trafficking.
Police recovered four high-powered rifles, a handgun, two grenades, and sachets of suspected shabu worth around Php324,000 during the operation.
PGen Rommel Francisco D. Marbil, Chief of the Philippine National Police, who was saddened in the unfortunate incident, extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family of the fallen SAF Commando, and the recovery of the other SAF personnel.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the family of PMSg Jed Michael Gregorio, and wish a swift recovery of the six other PNP-SAF personnel injured – PCpt Marc Bryan S. Tamid-ay, PCpt Kirk John P. Kollin, PSMS Alcher L. Dacula, PCpl Mark Joseph T. Galanta, Pat John Steven V. Luyun, and PCpl Emonrick Sornillo Gadat – during an armed encounter this morning in Aleosan, Cotabato. PNP remains steadfast to maintaining peace and order and appreciate the public’s continued support and cooperation,” official statement of CPNP.
Meanwhile, PMGen Bernard Banac, Acting Commander of APC-Western Mindanao, also expressed his deepest sympathy on PNP’s loss.
“We mourn the loss of Police Master Sergeant Jed Michael Gregorio who died in the line of duty in the finest police tradition of valor, service and sacrifice,” PMGen Banac said. PMGen Banac also assured the prompt release of all benefits due to the family of Gregorio, as well as medical assistance to the six other PNP personnel wounded in the incident.
Lost by the sad unexpected operational left turn, PMSg Gregorio’s unparalleled commitment to service is a manifestation of an ideal police officer worth-emulating.
