Police dismantled a suspected illegal weapons and drug syndicate in Aleosan, North Cotabato, following a raid that left one armed suspect dead and another arrested, the Philippine National Police (PNP) reported Wednesday.

PNP chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the 29 June operation in Barangay New Panay led to the death of Muhamad Taparan Pasandalan after he allegedly opened fire on officers serving court-issued search warrants.

Nartatez ordered an intensified manhunt for three suspects who escaped during the raid: Thong Abiden Sapal, Kalid Ebad Sakib and Eti Abiden Sapal.

Officers arrested Montaser Masempal Pandita at the scene. While Pandita was not named in the search warrants, police arrested him after noticing a 9mm pistol tucked into his waistband.

The raid was conducted under search warrants issued 19 June by Executive Judge Rainera P. Osua of the Regional Trial Court Branch 28 in Midsayap for alleged violations of the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.

Police said gunfire broke out around 3:50 a.m. when Pasandalan shot at the operating team as they approached his residence.

Officers returned fire, wounding Pasandalan, who was later declared dead on arrival at Aleosan District Hospital.

“Those who choose to resist arrest with violence will be dealt with in accordance with the law while respecting due process and human rights,” Nartatez said in a statement.

Authorities recovered two .45-caliber pistols, ammunition, and 15 packets of suspected shabu valued at about P552,900 from Pasandalan.

Investigators found another .45-caliber pistol and three large packets of suspected shabu at the home of Thong Abiden Sapal, who fled the area.

A search of the residence shared by Sakib and Eti Abiden Sapal turned up a Colt MK IV .45-caliber pistol, a handheld radio, and four packets of suspected shabu valued at P136,000. Neither suspect was present during the raid.

The seized weapons and drugs were transferred to the Cotabato Provincial Forensic Unit in Kidapawan City for examination. Police are preparing criminal charges for drug trafficking and illegal firearms possession against the three suspects who remain at large.