A drug suspect and an anti-narcotics agent were killed in a drug buy-bust operation in General Santos City.

Police said the 39-year-old suspect identified as Pablito Polancos was killed for allegedly fighting back against the authorities.

An agent of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) was also killed during the exchange of fire.

Authorities added that the suspect was included in the PDEA’s drug watchlist.

“Nanglaban at natamaan ang ating operative o agent ng PDEA of course nung retaliation, napatay din natin ang suspek,” General Santos City Police Office Director, Colonel Nicomedes Olaivar Jr., said.

The suspect’s mother said she kept on reminding her son to stop his involvement in the illegal drug trade.

“Sakit para sa akoa nga na-ing-ana akoang anak pero wala na man koy mahimo. Gabaligya siya. Gitambagan ko na siya, wala koy pagkukulang sa akong anak,” the suspect’s mother said.

The PDEA is set to release a statement regarding the deadly operation.