Two men tagged as most wanted persons were killed in a shootout in Barangay Ayala, Zamboanga City evening on December 31, 2024.

According to the Zamboanga City Police Office (ZCPO), Senior Master Sergeant Ryan Mariano, an intelligence operative assigned at the Police Station 9, shot it out with the two suspects while on covert duty at Mount Carmel Parish Church.

Investigation disclosed that the two suspects on board a motorcycle appeared and opened fire, forcing the policeman to retaliate.

One of the suspects died on the spot while the other did not reach the hospital alive.

On the other hand, the policeman also sustained a gunshot wound in the chest and was rushed to the hospital for treatment. He is reportedly in stable condition, as of this writing.

Police said the two suspects were allegedly involved in drug trafficking and were under surveillance for quite some time.

Based on intelligence report, the two were also implicated in several shooting incidents in the city.

“Their operations had long posed a significant threat to public safety and security,” ZCPO said.

“We remain steadfast in our mission to keep Zamboanga City safe. This accomplishment exemplifies the hard work and dedication of our police officers in combating crime and ensuring the safety of our citizens,” ZCPO Director, Col. Kimberly Molitas, said.