A 42-year-old mechanic and a 12-year-old girl died in an armed encounter in General Santos City over the weekend.

According to the General Santos City Police Office (GSCPO), police officers responded to a report of alleged indiscriminate firing in Purok Pandian, Barangay Labangal on April 18, 2026.

Police said the mechanic who was armed with a caliber .45 pistol allegedly opened fire at responding officers, prompting authorities to return fire.

The suspect died on the spot. Seized from his possession were a gun and two sachets of suspected shabu.

During the exchange of fire, the girl was reportedly hit by a bullet fired by the suspect. She was brought to a hospital but died while undergoing treatment.

The girl was hit in the head.

“Naigo na ang akong apo sa ulo unya ninglapus sa li-ug sir. Iyang gikugos kaning mga bata iyang gi-ana oh. Para safe sa ilalum sa katre,” the girl’s grandmother, Alma Gandao, said.

The girl’s family is now seeking justice.

“Dili namu madawat ang pagkamatay sa among apo,” Gandao added.

Because of the incident, the family is questioning the police operation.

“Di ba ang pulis to serve to protect , di ba so dapat pag ingun pa lang nga naay bata dili unta sila magpabuto gud. Kay makadagan sa layo ang suspek,” the girl’s family said.

However, police said they only did everything they could to ensure the safety of the residents in the area.

“We will conduct investigation if the police personnel exerted due diligence in trying to secure everybody doon because, unfortunately residential area kasi ito,” Police Station 2 Commander, Major Ari Noel Cardos, said.

The investigation is ongoing to determine whether there were any lapses committee by the police in the incident.

“We will review our existing protocol ing-ana, that is why, the higher headquarter is conducting transparent investigation kung naa may shortcomings diri even ako as the station commander kung naa may fault diri we will suffer the consequences kung naay sanction,” Cardos added.