The service of a search warrant in Barangay Fatima, General Santos City on Thursday evening, October 16, 2025, resulted in an exchange of fire that left one person dead, one injured, and the target arrested.

Police said operatives were about to serve a search warrant against the target for alleged illegal possession of firearms when the suspects opened fire.

During the operation, the target was arrested, but his companion who reportedly fired shots died on the spot.

Another companion sustained injuries after he was hit by a bullet that ricocheted. He was brought to the hospital for treatment.

“During the implementation, pagpasok namin sa gate, pinaputukan agad kami ng one of the occupants sa balay. So thereafter, a firefight ensued and then we tried our best to negotiate na mag-surrender na lang ning nagpabuto. But unfortunately, wala sila nag-yield into us, the authorities, mao to, kadugayan, na-neutralize siya,” Police Station 7 Commander, Major Noel Cardos, said.

The suspect arrested denied possessing firearms indicated in the search warrant and claimed that it belonged to the suspect who was killed.

“Katung pusil sa search warrant katu man tu sa napatay sir. Sa aku man gud nakapangalan,” the suspect said.

“Wala siya’y pusil, but they are in one place. Gina-check pa namo kung kinsa ning naka-register ning caliber 40,” Cardos added.

Authorities recovered a caliber .40 pistol, ammunition, and around 18 grams of suspected shabu worth more than P120,000.

The suspects will face charges for violations of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act (RA 9165) and Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act (RA 10591).