Police arrested one person and seized nine firearms during a hot pursuit operation following a fatal shooting linked to a land conflict in General Santos City on Wednesday, July 8.
The General Santos City Police Office said personnel from Police Station 2 responded to a reported shooting incident in Barangay Labangal on Wednesday morning.
When officers arrived, they found a male security guard dead from a gunshot wound.
Police then launched a joint pursuit operation with the City Intelligence Unit, City Mobile Force Company, SWAT, and the City Drug and Intelligence Management Unit to locate those allegedly involved.
During the operation in Purok Mudia, Barangay Labangal, police encountered a group of individuals believed to be connected to the shooting.
One suspect, identified only as alias “Mohammad Kidto,” 35, a resident of General Santos City, was arrested.
Police said they recovered nine firearms from the suspect, including seven shotguns and two semi-automatic shotguns.
The firearms were placed under police custody for examination and documentation.
Authorities said follow-up operations are ongoing to identify and locate the other individuals allegedly involved in the shooting.
PNP Chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. commended the responding units for their quick action.
“Ang mahalaga, mabilis ang naging tugon ng ating mga pulis at na-secure agad ang lugar. We will continue to ensure that every operation is conducted professionally, within the bounds of the law, and with respect for the rights of everyone involved,” Nartatez said.
The PNP said the operation forms part of its continuing campaign to strengthen rapid response, police coordination, and intelligence-driven law enforcement actions.