Two armed suspects were killed in a shootout with police during an Oplan Sita checkpoint operation in Barangay Western Bicutan, Taguig City, on October 22, 2026, while authorities intensified their search for two other suspects who escaped.

According to the Philippine National Police (PNP), personnel of the Taguig City Police Station Sub-Station 2 flagged down four motorcycle riders after noticing helmet violations.

During the encounter, two suspects allegedly drew their firearms and pointed them at police officers before fleeing in different directions.

Police said two suspects entered a nearby residential structure and opened fire despite repeated calls for their peaceful surrender, prompting officers to return fire. Both suspects were killed in the encounter.

Background checks revealed that one of the slain suspects had previous arrests involving kidnapping for ransom, serious illegal detention, and frustrated homicide in August and September 2026.

The other suspect reportedly had records involving two separate murder cases in October 2023 and February 2024.

Authorities recovered two firearms, including a Jericho 9mm pistol, which will undergo ballistic examination to determine whether they were used in shooting incidents in Taguig City on September 29, October 12, and October 15, 2026.

Police also recovered a black motorcycle with a defaced engine number. The vehicle will undergo macro-etching examination to establish its original engine number and verify ownership.

Meanwhile, investigators identified one of the fleeing suspects as an 18-year-old male with previous police records involving kidnapping for ransom, serious illegal detention, drug-related violations, and attempted robbery with violence or intimidation.

Authorities are continuing efforts to locate him and establish the identity of the fourth suspect.

The PNP said charges of direct assault, resistance and disobedience to a person in authority, and grave threats are being prepared against the fleeing suspects.

Additional charges under Republic Act No. 10591, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act, are also being finalized.

PNP Chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. emphasized that police operations against armed suspects would continue while ensuring compliance with the law.

“Every armed threat must be addressed decisively, and every piece of evidence must be examined thoroughly to establish the facts and hold those responsible accountable,” Nartatez said.

He also directed police units to intensify their pursuit of the fleeing suspects and determine whether the recovered firearms were connected to previous shooting incidents.

“Walang puwang sa ating mga komunidad ang mga armadong kriminal. Patuloy nating paiigtingin ang paghahanap sa mga tumakas at sisiyasatin ang posibleng kaugnayan ng mga nakumpiskang baril sa mga nagdaang insidente ng pamamaril,” he added.

The operation forms part of the PNP’s Enhanced Managing Police Operations initiative, which focuses on addressing armed criminality, strengthening law enforcement, and improving public safety.

Authorities have yet to announce the results of the ballistic examinations and the continuing investigation into the incident.