The Philippine National Police (PNP) has 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 belong 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.

The General Santos City Police Station 2, together with personnel from the City Investigation and Detective Management Unit, City Mobile Force Company, Special Weapons and Tactics team, and the City Intelligence Unit, launched a hot pursuit operation.

At about 11 a.m., police tracked seven fleeing suspects in Purok Mudia who were riding two motorcycles and a motorized tricycle.

Authorities said the suspects allegedly opened fire when officers attempted to intercept them, triggering an armed encounter.

One suspect was arrested while six others escaped.

Police identified the arrested suspect as Mohammad Kidto, 35, a driver from Barangay Labangal.

Recovered from his possession were seven shotguns and two semi-automatic shotguns. Police said he failed to present permits or licenses for the firearms.

PNP chief Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. directed the Police Regional Office 12 and the General Santos City Police Office to continue hot pursuit operations against the six remaining suspects.

"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 investigators to conduct comprehensive firearms tracing to determine the origin of the recovered weapons and whether they were used in previous crimes or linked to 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," he added.