Suspected robber, ‘basag-kotse’ gang member slain in Batangas

SAN PEDRO CITY – A man facing numerous complaints for robbery was killed in a police operation in Tanauan City, Batangas, early Wednesday.

The suspect was identified as Jonathan Cantal, who was out on bail for another case of frustrated murder.

Supt. Reynaldo Maclang, Tanauan City police chief, said the police responded to a complaint of robbery and set out to arrest the suspect in Barangay Darasa around 2:30 a.m.

But as the authorities approached, Cantal allegedly opened fire forcing the police to shoot him back. The police brought Cantal to the CP Reyes hospital but he died on the way.

The police recovered a .38 caliber gun from the suspect.

Maclang said residents in Barangay Darasa and adjacent villages had complained about Cantal whose modus was “basag-kotse” or breaking vehicles to steal the owners’ belongings. MARICAR CINCO