An operation to serve two search warrants for firearms and illegal drugs in Barangay Kinamaligan, Masbate City, ended in a shootout between police and suspects.

According to reports, the incident began when one of the two suspects opened fire on approaching officers, prompting the cops to return fire.

"Palapit palang po ang ating mga kasamahang kapulisan at agad na itong pinutukan ng ating isang suspek… bale dalawa po ang ating suspek, si alyas 'Claire' at si alyas 'Dodong.' So agad namang gumanti ng putok ang ating mga operatiba," PLTCOL. Nicholas Malipot Jr., Chief of Provincial Community Affairs and Development Unit (PCADU) of the Masbate Police Provincial Office (PPO), said.

One of the suspects, who was hit in the leg, was taken to the hospital immediately.

The main target of the operation attempted to flee but was apprehended later. 

During the operation, authorities seized several firearms, ammunition, and illegal drugs.

"Nakuha po doon sa ating subject yung mga iba ibang klase ng kalibre ng baril, may .45 at may mga 9mm... dito pa lang po napakabigat na ng kasong mahaharap nitong mga suspek," Malipot said.

One suspect is in police custody while the other remains hospitalized, as of this writing.