ANTI-ILLEGAL drug operatives killed two brothers in a police operation in Baluarte, Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental, on Tuesday, August 28, the 7th and 8th shooting deaths involving drug suspects in the province for this month.

Killed in shootout of what the police claimed as buy-bust operation were Jeffrey and Jerry Jandayan, both residents of Purok Faustina, Kimaya, Jasaan town.

Initial investigation disclosed that the two suspected drug personalities fought back with the operatives which resulted to an armed encounter.

The suspects allegedly fired their guns first after sensing that they were dealing with the police.

Police said one of the suspects threw a hand grenade during the exchange of gunfire which resulted to an explosion. However, no one was hurt in the blast.

Authorities recovered from the crime scene sachets of suspected methamphetamine hydrochloride, locally known as “shabu,” the suspects' firearms and a motorcycle.

Members of the Explosives Ordnance Division (EOD) responded for possible recovery of other explosives in the crime scene.

In a statement, the Police Regional Office-Northern Mindanao (PRO)-Northern Mindanao said it is saddened with the unintentional lost of lives.

"If it could be avoided, we would certainly opt for that to prevent this rather grim picture of our anti-illegal drugs campaign," the PRO-Northern Mindanao said.

"However, we could only respond to the stimulus of every situation. When our operating troops are in clear and present danger, they take the last option and that is to protect themselves," it added.