Manila: The Philippine National Police (PNP) expressed grief over the death of Police Major Aiman Khuzaimah Pantaran, the intelligence chief of the Pagadian City Police Office, who was killed in a shootout during an operation against suspected illegal firearms dealers before dawn on Monday.

According to Philippines News Agency, PNP Chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. extended condolences to Pantaran's family and recognized the police major's dedication to duty, stating that his service and sacrifice would not be forgotten. "On behalf of the men and women of the Philippine National Police, I extend my deepest condolences to the family of Police Major Aiman Khuzaimah Pantaran. His courage and dedication to duty will not be forgotten, and the PNP will ensure that his sacrifice is honored," Nartatez said.

Pantaran, 35, head of the Intelligence Unit of the Pagadian City Police Station, was killed shortly after midnight on August 23 during a buy-bust operation at Purok Malipayon, Barangay Tiguma in Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur. The operation targeted brothers Jhonny and Jerry Bravo Gomez, who were suspected of trafficking unregistered firearms. The two suspects were also killed in the ensuing armed encounter.

Nartatez directed the concerned units to ensure that Pantaran's family receives the assistance and benefits due them. The PNP chief also ordered a ballistic examination of firearms recovered from the operation to determine whether they had been used in other criminal activities. This is in line with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla to eradicate illegal arms trafficking and ensure accountability across local law enforcement units.

"We are looking into the source and distribution network of the firearms involved in the operation. The recovered firearms will also undergo ballistic examination to determine whether they were used in other criminal activities and to help establish the full extent of the suspects' operations," Nartatez added.