Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay — July 22, 2025 | A robbery attempt at Purok Pines 1, Barangay Sanito turned into a dramatic shootout on the night of July 21, leaving one suspect injured and in custody, while another remains at large.
According to the Ipil Municipal Police Station (MPS), the incident occurred around 9:36 PM when two armed men forcibly entered a residence and stole a sling bag containing cash and valuables from the victim.
As the suspects attempted to flee the scene, one of them pointed a firearm at a nearby resident who was sitting in front of his home. The civilian, a licensed gun holder, drew his own weapon in response, leading to an exchange of gunfire. One of the suspects was shot and subsequently apprehended by responding police personnel.
The alert team, led by Patrol Supervisor PEMS Junil Gregorio Quimat and under the supervision of PMAJ Pocholo Rolando Guerrero, Acting Chief of Police, swiftly responded to the call and arrested the injured suspect. The second suspect managed to escape and is currently being pursued by authorities.
Recovered from the arrested individual were a .45 caliber pistol, a black-and-white Honda Beat motorcycle without a plate number, several bags containing cash and jewelry, and other personal items. A single spent cartridge was also found at the scene.
The concerned civilian voluntarily surrendered his licensed .40 caliber handgun to the authorities following the incident.
The wounded suspect was immediately brought to Dr. George T. Hofer Hospital for medical treatment. All recovered items are now in the custody of Ipil MPS, and a follow-up operation is ongoing in coordination with other law enforcement units. The Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) have also been requested to conduct a full crime scene investigation.
Authorities continue to urge the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious individuals or activities in their communities.