TWO ALLEGED gun-for-hire individuals were arrested in a joint AFP-PNP operation in Tagum City, Davao del Norte on Jan. 31. 2025.
The AFP and PNP, tasked with enforcing Comelec Resolution 11056, focused their efforts on individuals with potential ties to election-related violence, particularly suspected gun-for-hire perpetrators.
Their intelligence gathering led them to serve warrants on Norman Saquin and Rozendel Canete, both wanted for multiple counts of murder and illegal possession of firearms.
The two suspects were believed to be gun-for-hire operatives and were located at a rented unit in the Camella Trails subdivision in Visayan Village, Tagum City.
As the arresting team approached the residence at approximately 7:40 p.m., both suspects opened fire. In the ensuing firefight, Saquin was killed instantly, while Canete managed to flee through a back door.
Canete engaged the pursuing operatives in a violent exchange, wounding one police officer, Ssg Ivan Burce. However, he was ultimately cornered and neutralized, succumbing to multiple gunshot wounds inflicted by the arresting team.
Later that evening, around 11:30 p.m., authorities tracked down another accomplice, Renz Balmaceda, within the same subdivision. He too resisted arrest, leading to a brief confrontation before being taken into custody.
Saquin and Canete were wanted under multiple murder charges and had standing warrants for violations related to illegal firearms possession. The successful operation was carried out by a combined force from the 60th Infantry Battalion, 1001st Infantry Brigade, 25th Infantry Battalion, Davao del Norte Provincial Police Office, and other supporting AFP and PNP units.
BGen. Ronnie Babac, commander of the 1001st Brigade, praised the operation, highlighting the AFP and PNP’s commitment to ensuring a peaceful election in Davao de Oro and Davao del Norte.
The operation is seen as a significant step in preventing election-related violence and upholding the integrity of the upcoming elections.
MGen. Allan D. Hambala, commander of the 10th Infantry Division, also commended the joint team for their efficient coordination, ensuring the operation ran smoothly despite the risks involved. This success, he emphasized, contributes to the overall goal of achieving a safe and orderly 2025 national and local election in the region.
As the nation prepares for the crucial 2025 political exercise, the AFP and PNP remain vigilant, determined to eliminate threats and protect the democratic process.
