The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Thursday ordered an intensified manhunt after a shootout in General Santos City led to the recovery of nine firearms and raised suspicions that the suspects may be linked to an organized armed group.

The operation stemmed from a shooting incident reported at around 9 a.m. on 8 July in Olarte, Tukay, Barangay Labangal. Police from General Santos City Police Station 2 immediately launched a hot pursuit operation, joined by personnel from the City Investigation and Detective Management Unit, City Mobile Force Company, Special Weapons and Tactics unit, and the City Intelligence Unit.

At about 11 a.m., operatives tracked seven fleeing suspects in Purok Mudia. The suspects, riding two motorcycles and a motorized tricycle, allegedly opened fire when officers attempted to intercept them, triggering a brief gunfight. Six suspects escaped, while one was arrested.

The arrested suspect was identified as Mohammad Kidto, 35, a driver from Barangay Labangal. Authorities said they recovered seven shotguns and two semi-automatic shotguns from his possession. He reportedly failed to present permits or licenses for the firearms.

Following the incident, PNP chief Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. directed the Police Regional Office-12 and the General Santos City Police Office to sustain pursuit operations against the six remaining suspects.

The intensified operation is in line with the administration’s campaign against loose firearms and armed criminal groups.

“I have directed PRO-12 and the General Santos City Police Office to intensify the manhunt for the remaining suspects. They must identify the source of the recovered firearms and conduct follow-up operations to prevent further violence. We will ensure that everyone involved is held accountable under the law,” Nartatez said.

He also ordered a comprehensive firearms tracing to determine the origin of the recovered weapons and whether they are linked to previous crimes or an organized armed group.

“The recovery of several firearms from one suspect is a serious concern. We are investigating whether these weapons are linked to an organized criminal group or another armed network. We will pursue all those involved and determine the source of the firearms,” Nartatez said.