Suspect wounded after Ilocos Sur shootout with police

A drug delivery attempt near the Ilocos Sur Provincial Jail turned into an armed encounter early morning of 6 April 2025, leaving the suspect wounded and hospitalized after exchanging gunfire with responding police.

The Ilocos Sur Police Drug Enforcement Unit (ISPDEU) received a report at around 6:52 AM from Prison Guard 1 Alvin Jay Agam regarding a man allegedly delivering illegal drugs at the jail facility. Police Staff Sergeant Jhumar Prades quickly responded and arrived at the scene by 6:55 AM.

Upon arrival, the suspect reportedly dropped a suspicious item believed to contain illegal drugs and attempted to flee. As Prades gave chase, the suspect allegedly drew a firearm and fired at the officer, prompting the latter to return fire. The suspect sustained a gunshot wound during the encounter.

Responding personnel from the Vigan City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) provided immediate medical aid and transported the suspect to Metro Vigan Hospital for treatment.

Members of the Bantay Municipal Police Station secured the area and called the attention of ISFU and KIMAT for crime scene processing. Recovered from the scene were three spent 9mm shell casings and one homemade caliber .38 firearm.

Authorities have initiated a review of CCTV footage from the area and have requested the assistance of the Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) for a more thorough investigation.

As of this writing, the investigation remains ongoing to determine the full circumstances surrounding the incident and whether additional charges will be filed.