MANILA, Philippines - A policeman was killed while another was wounded after a police unit encountered an unidentified armed group in Sahirff Aguak, capital town of Maguindanao province.

Investigation showed that elements of 1508th Provincial Mobile Group were on patrol roving around a warehouse reportedly owned by the patriarch of a powerful clam. former Maguindanao governor Andal Ampatuan Sr., in Barangay Bagong when a sudden burst of gunfire was heard.

A firefight between the policemen and the unidentified armed group then ensued fo about 30 minutes.

Police Officer (PO)1 Dennis Sorupia suffered multiple gunshot wounds causing his instant death.

PO1 Mojaimin Muhamad, meanwhile, was immediately rushed to a hospital after getting hit in the back by a bullet.

Further investigation was still ongoing on the identity of the armed group.

Key members of the Ampatuan clan have been accused of involvement in the gruesome Maguinadanao massacre last year which killed at least 57 persons including at least 30 journalists. Authorities have tagged Andal Jr., a son of Andal Sr., of being the mastermind in the bloody killing.