Cotabato: Two people were killed and two police officers were injured following a shootout during a police raid at a local businessman’s residential compound in this town before dawn Thursday.

According to Philippines News Agency, Lt. Juaren Caang, spokesperson of the Cotabato Police Provincial Office, reported that the police team was executing a search warrant at Barangay Bulakanon against Ramon Floresta, an agricultural trader. The warrant pertained to a violation of Republic Act 10591, also known as the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act. The situation escalated into an exchange of gunfire.

The deceased individuals were identified as Jovito Regidor Roa and Paul Lacorte Pedroso, both of whom were ex-soldiers employed as security personnel for Floresta.

Corporal Jayson A. Jungco and Pat. Christian A. Neyra, from the police’s 1203rd Maneuvering Company, sustained injuries during the incident.

Ramon Floresta was arrested in the operation, with authorities seizing two .40-caliber pistols, a Tactical-4V rifle, two M16 rifles, two fragmentation hand grenades, and various ammunition from his residence. In a local radio interview, Floresta denied ownership of the confiscated firearms and ammunition.

Floresta is currently in the custody of the Makilala police for further proceedings.