A buy-bust operation in Barangay Tambubong, Bocaue, Bulacan turned into a deadly shootout, leaving two intelligence officers dead while pursuing an armed suspect.

The fallen officers were identified as PSSG Dennis Cudiamat and PSSG Gian George Dela Cruz, both assigned to the Bocaue Municipal Police Station.

According to Police Regional Office 3 (PRO-3) Director, PBGen. Jean Fajardo, the operation succeeded initially in arresting a suspect selling illegal firearms, but his accomplice managed to escape.

“Ang subject po nila dito ay isang lalaki na engaged po sa pagbebenta po ng baril. Ikinasa po nila ang police operation, naging successful naman po, subalit ‘yung kasamahan po niya ay nakatakas po,” Fajardo said.

The two officers pursued the fleeing suspect, but he opened fire, killing Cudiamat.

Dela Cruz, who was on a motorcycle, continued the chase but was also shot dead when he stopped.

The gunman remains at large, as of this writing, after escaping with the fallen officers' service firearms.

PBGen. Fajardo visited the families of the fallen officers and awarded them a Medal of Honor, honoring their bravery and sacrifice in the line of duty.

Police continue to track the remaining suspect down.