Three killed, two SWAT officers injured in Tagum City armed encounter

DAVAO CITY – Three suspects were killed, and two Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) officers were wounded in a shootout during an attempted arrest operation in Camella Subdivision, Visayan Village, Tagum City on January 31, 2025, at around 6:50 p.m.

According to an official police report, Philippine National Police (PNP) personnel were serving an arrest warrant against Norman Saquin and Rosendel Arsellias Cañete for two counts of murder when the suspects opened fire, triggering a gunfight.

During the initial encounter, two SWAT officers were wounded, while Cañete and an unidentified accomplice were killed. Saquin managed to flee into a house, prompting a police chase.

As another police unit pursued Saquin, a second exchange of gunfire ensued inside the house. Saquin was shot during the confrontation and rushed to the Davao Regional Medical Center, where he was declared dead on arrival.

Meanwhile, police tracked Cañete to a nearby vacant lot, where they claimed he continued to fire at officers. The responding team retaliated, killing him at the scene.

At around 11:30 p.m., officers engaged another armed suspect who was believed to be Cañete’s companion in a grassy area near the house. The individual reportedly fired at pursuing officers, forcing them to retaliate. The suspect was hit, taken to the hospital, but later declared dead on arrival.

Police recovered three firearms from the suspects. Authorities continue to investigate the incident to determine the full extent of the suspects’ criminal activities.

This operation highlights the PNP’s ongoing efforts to apprehend individuals with outstanding arrest warrants, but also underscores the risk faced by law enforcement officers in high-risk operations.