GENERAL SANTOS CITY — A tragic shooting incident in Purok Pandian, Barangay Labangal on Saturday morning claimed the life of an 11-year-old girl who was caught in the crossfire during a police operation against an armed suspect.
Initial reports said the incident unfolded between 11:30 a.m. and 11:50 a.m. after police responded to complaints of a man allegedly engaging in indiscriminate firing in the area. A pursuit operation led to an exchange of gunfire between responding officers and the suspect, placing residents in immediate danger.
Amid the chaos, the young victim, who was nearby at the time, was struck by a bullet. She was rushed to a nearby hospital but later succumbed to her injuries, turning what was initially reported as a wounding into a fatal case.
Residents described scenes of panic as gunfire erupted in the community, with families scrambling for safety while authorities attempted to neutralize the threat.
In an official statement, the Police Regional Office 12–General Santos City Police Office, through Police Station 2, confirmed details of the encounter.
“Police personnel responded to a report of alleged indiscriminate firing in Purok Pandian, Barangay Labangal at approximately 11:50 AM on April 18, 2026,” the statement read.
Authorities identified the suspect as Ryan Mantikaya Sangbaan, 42, a mechanic and resident of the area, who was reportedly armed with a caliber .45 Taurus pistol. According to police, the suspect allegedly opened fire upon their arrival, prompting officers to return fire.
“An armed encounter followed. During the exchange of gunfire, a 12-year-old girl was reportedly struck by a bullet fired by the suspect. The child was immediately brought to a nearby medical facility for treatment,” police said.
The suspect was eventually subdued, and authorities reported recovering a .45 pistol, ammunition, and two sachets of suspected shabu at the scene.
However, investigators have yet to definitively establish the trajectory of the bullet that hit the victim, as earlier accounts indicated uncertainty over whether it came from the suspect or from police during the exchange.
The incident remains under active investigation to determine the full sequence of events, including the use of force and accountability.
“The General Santos City Police Office reiterates its commitment to public safety and transparency and encourages residents to report any suspicious or unlawful activity,” the statement added.
The death of the young girl has sent shockwaves through the community, highlighting the grave risks faced by civilians during armed confrontations and raising urgent questions about safety protocols in densely populated areas.