A suspected robbery offender was killed while another was arrested after an armed encounter with police in a remote village in Bongabon, Nueva Ecija, authorities said.

Police from the Nueva Ecija Police Provincial Office were conducting operations in connection with a reported robbery in Gabaldon when they spotted the two suspects riding a motorcycle in Barangay Bantug.

Authorities said the suspects sped away as officers approached, causing a pursuit. During the chase, the suspects allegedly opened fire, hitting one police officer in the left thigh.

PCol. Heryl “Daguit” Bruno, director of the Nueva Ecija Police Provincial Office, said officers were already deployed in the area as part of ongoing operations.

“Nagkaroon tayo ng dragnet operation…. actually, naka-standby kasi meron silang nakalatag na Oplan Sita at check point,” Bruno said.

Police returned fire, resulting in the death of one suspect, while the other was arrested at the scene, authorities said.

PSSg. Jake Laureta Jacinto of the Gabaldon Police Station described the moment he realized he had been hit.

“Nung pagbukas ko ng pinto, pagganu’n ko, sabi ko, ‘sir may tama ako’…. ‘Kaya mo pa?’ sabi ni sir tapos nung paglabas ko po, kinuha ko ’yung isa pinosasan ko,” Jacinto said.

The arrested suspect did not issue a formal statement but acknowledged involvement in the robbery when approached by GMA Regional TV News.

Authorities recovered the motorcycle and firearms allegedly used by the suspects, along with some belongings of the victims.

Police said efforts continue to locate another alleged accomplice who remains at large, as of this writing. This suspect allegedly took about P2 million from the victim.

The family of the slain suspect is yet to release a statement as of press time.