Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 26) — The hunt for former Maimbung, Sulu vice mayor Pando Mudjasan continues as around 6,000 residents flee the town after the recent shootout between his followers and government security forces.
According to the Sulu Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, 1,757 residents have fled from Barangay Bualo Lipid, 2,322 from Barangay Laum Maibung, and 2,376 from Barangay Poblacion.
A total of 6,455 affected residents have left their homes after the firefight on Saturday where one police officer was killed and 13 others were injured.
The clash erupted after authorities served search and arrest warrants against Mudjasan for murder and illegal possession of firearms and explosives.
PNP Public Information Office chief Brig. Gen. Redrico Maranan said authorities had expected trouble in serving the warrants on Mudjasan, who is said to be a leader of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF).
“Talagang may layers of defense kung nasan siya,” he said. “Papalapit pa lang sa lugar kung saan si vice mayor, nagkaroon na ng encounter. Naging mahigpit ang labanan at palitan ng putok,” Maranan said.
[Translation: There were many layers of defense in the area…As the authorities neared the former vice mayor’s place, an encounter ensued. There was a shootout and a heavy exchange of gunfire.]
The PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group said Mudjasan and his men are members of a potential private armed group that was also involved in an encounter in Bualo Lipid in 2017.
Mudjasan is facing multiple murder, frustrated murder, double murder charges. The ex-vice mayor and his group are still on the run from authorities following the encounter.
Sulu Governor Abdusakur Tan has tagged Mudjasan and his men as terrorists.
The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao remains on full alert status following the incident.
CNN Philippines correspondent Crissy Dimatulac contributed to this report.
