Four drug suspects who were involved in a fatal shootout with police on Tuesday attempted to swindle undercover officers during a buy-bust operation by trying to take the payment without delivering the illegal drugs, the Philippine National Police Drug Enforcement Group (PDEG) said Wednesday.

The operation involved approximately 10 kilograms of suspected shabu estimated to be worth around P68 million.

According to PDEG spokesperson Police Lt. Marlon Sy, the suspects realized they were dealing with authorities and planned to flee with the money.

“Their purpose seems to be to fool the police officers,” Sy said. “Now, their leader is the one who first fired a shot. The encounter started from there.”

Three of the four suspects, including their suspected leader, identified only as “alias Dan,” were killed in the encounter.

Authorities are investigating the identity of one of the deceased suspects due to his resemblance to a person involved in another crime group.

Two people were also injured in the shootout — a PDEG personnel member and an informant. Sy said authorities are in the process of obtaining CCTV and body camera footage of the incident.

Despite the deaths, PNP spokesperson Police Brig. Gen. Randulf Tuaño reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to conducting “bloodless” operations.

“Our operations will remain bloodless,” Tuaño said. “But when the lives and security of our members are endangered, we will not let our officers die.”