Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (PROBAR) reports said Police Master Sergeant Antonio Balasa succumbed to an explosion in Barangay Poblacion Mother while on duty.

The attack took place Thursday some 300 meters away from the provincial police headquarters in Shariff Aguak town, said General Archie Francisco Gamboa, the Philippine National Police chief.

In a written statement, Gamboa condemns the attack on police security forces that left a police officer and a civilian dead, and four other officers wounded.

“I offer my deepest condolences on behalf of the whole PNP family to the family of PMSg Balasa. Let me assure his family that will get the full benefits and financial assistance as well as the other four wounded officers who are recovering in two different hospitals in the region,” Gamboa said.

Police officers, Larry Amoran, Guerero Domingo, Guia Mangrag and Clyde Peria were wounded while another a civilian named as Bobby died during the explosion.

The three police officers are now recuperating in Maguindanao Provincial Hospital while Police Corporal Peria was transferred to Cotobato Regional Medical Center due to excessive bleeding.

The PNP Chief reminded all police units on the ground to be alert and vigilant as criminal and terrorist elements continue to plot and operate against police security forces in this time of COVID-19 pandemic. (ILKHA)