A police intelligence officer was killed after a buy-bust operation against suspected illegal firearms dealers turned into an armed encounter in Barangay Dao, Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur, on Sunday, 23 August.

Police Maj. Aiman Khuzaimah P. Pantaran, 35, head of the Pagadian City Police Station intelligence unit, was shot during the gunfight at Purok Malipayon.

Two suspects, identified as Jhonny Bravo Gomez and Jerry Bravo Gomez, were also killed in the encounter.

Initial reports said the suspects opened fire after realizing they were transacting with an undercover police officer during the operation.

Pantaran was rushed to Mendero Medical Center but was later pronounced dead.

Authorities secured the area as forensic personnel processed the crime scene and recovered evidence and contraband from the operation.

An investigation into the incident is ongoing.