A drug buy-bust operation in Zamboanga Sibugay led to a chase and an exchange of fire, leaving one of the suspects wounded evening on Tuesday, March 31, 2026.

Authorities said the suspects reportedly sensed the presence of the police and agents of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency-Zamboanga (PDEA-9) and sped off toward the highway bound for Zamboanga City.

The operating team chased the suspects and flagged their vehicle down upon reaching the boundary of Zamboanga Sibugay and Zamboanga City.

However, the suspects opened fire, which resulted in a brief encounter.

The two suspects identified as alias “Al,” 31, a resident of Cavite and alias “Al Ha,” 32, a resident of Quezon City were arrested. But one of them was brought to a hospital after sustaining a gunshot wound during the armed confrontation.

Seized from the suspects were sachets of suspected shabu worth around P3.4 million, a vehicle, a caliber .45 pistol, and other non-drug items.

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