Four persons including three lawless elements were killed in an encounter with government troops in Polomolok, South Cotabato.

AFP- Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) Chief Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan Jr. identified three of the fatalities as Tho Catucan and his two companions: Jer Maguisulan and Rabino Kutin.

Vinluan said also killed during the encounter was a guide of the operating troops in the area.

Another guide was also wounded.

Vinluan said operatives from the 5th Special Forces Battalion and Polomok Municipal Police Station were about to serve a warrant of arrest for a case of murder against one Tho Catucan in Purok 1, Barangay Sumbakil when they were fired upon by the suspect and his alleged cohorts.

Troops recovered one caliber .45 pistol and one 9MM UZI sub-machine pistol from the encounter site.

Meanwhile, the military expressed condolences to the bereaved family of the killed guide.

“On behalf of the operating troops, I would like to extend my deepest sympathy to the family and relatives of the killed guide. I, likewise, commend his bravery and heroic deed,” Brigadier General Roy Galido, commander of the 601st Infantry Brigade, said.

Joint Task Force Central Commander Major General Juvymax Uy said the incident should serve as a warning to the terrorists and other lawless elements that “taking up arms against the security forces will never resolve conflicts but rather create more chaotic situations.”