A 21-year-old woman was killed after she was hit by a stray bullet during a police operation in Bislig City, Surigao del Sur evening on Tuesday, October 1, 2024.

Police said two police officers were conducting a surveillance operation against a person wanted for murder.

“Ang atong kapulisan nga duha ka buok nag-surveillance sa wanted person nato. So, naa ang gi-surveillance namo didto sa wanted person. Ang kaso niining wanted person is murder,” Police Community Affairs and Development Unit (PCADU) Officer-in-Charge, Major June Hontanosas, said.

Authorities said the suspect allegedly tried to pull out his gun after noticing the presence of the police officers, prompting the two operatives to fire shots.

The suspect was not hit and was able to escape.

However, the woman was hit during the operation. It was not clear why she was in the area at that time.

The police officer who allegedly hit the woman may face administrative charges.

“Mag-undergo sila og paraffin test sa karon tapos nag-preparar pa kung kinsa ang nakaigo sa ilaha. Definitely, nagpreparar ang estasyon og kaso against sa pulis kay kinahanglan man gyud managot,” Hontanosas said.

The family of the woman has yet to issue a statement.

Recovered from the crime scene were two fired cartridges and two motorcycles believed to be owned by the suspect.