Zamboanga city: Authorities arrested two suspects, with one injured in a shootout, and seized PHP3.4 million worth of illegal drugs during an anti-drug operation in Zamboanga City, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) in Zamboanga Peninsula reported.

According to Philippines News Agency, PDEA-9 Director Bryan Babang identified the apprehended suspects by their aliases Al, aged 31 from Cavite, and Al Ha, aged 32 from Quezon City. Al Ha sustained injuries during the shootout and was taken to RT Lim Family Hospital for medical attention, while Al suffered minor injuries from hitting his head on the windshield during the vehicle chase.

The operation unfolded after a chase and shootout occurred around 8:50 p.m. Tuesday at the boundary between Tungawan, Zamboanga Sibugay, and Barangay Licomo, Zamboanga City. The buy-bust transaction was initially set to happen in Ipil, the capital of Zamboanga Sibugay, but the suspects fled when they realized the presence of law enforcement teams.

Babang detailed that the suspects sped off toward the highway bound for Zamboanga City, prompting the operating teams to initiate a hot pursuit operation. Upon reaching the boundary, the suspects' vehicle was intercepted, leading to a brief exchange of gunfire before their arrest. The injured suspect received immediate medical care.

The operation resulted in the confiscation of approximately 500 grams of suspected shabu, valued at PHP3.4 million, along with a sports utility vehicle, a mobile phone, a caliber .45 pistol, various non-drug items, and the buy-bust money. The suspects will be charged with violations of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 and the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.

Babang emphasized their commitment to intensifying anti-drug operations to curb the spread of illegal drugs in the region. The operation was conducted by PDEA operatives with assistance from police units and the Army's 106th Infantry Battalion.