Cops kill gang leader in shootout, arrest 4 in Tondo

Four suspects arrested during a search warrant operation in Tondo, Manila on June 19, 2019. Photo from CIDG Manila

MANILA, Philippines – An alleged leader of the Supremo crime gang was killed in a shootout with police while 4 other suspects were arrested in Tondo, Manila on Wednesday morning.

Police said agents of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), the Manila Police District (MPD) Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT), MPD Station 1 and the Smokey Mountain Police Community Precinct were about to serve a search warrant against the suspects at the Permanent Housing in Balut at about 9:10 a.m. when the shootout happened.

The search warrant was issued by Quezon City Branch 106 Judge Angelene Mary Sale  for violation of the Comprehensive Law on Firearms and Ammunition.

Police said Salazar Santos, the alleged crime gang leader, opened fire at the officers who returned fire. Police said Santos was killed on the spot.

The officers then arrested suspects Amora Gabon, Jericho Magora, Aileen Andrade and Jayson Landicho.

Meanwhile, another suspect identified as Maria Fe Alivario managed to escape arrest, police said.

Seized from the arrested suspects were a caliber .45 pistol,  two hand grenades,  two caliber .38 revolver, three caliber .38 bullets, a Super .38 pistol, one magazine, five Super .38 bullets, a caliber 9 mm pistol, and 66 sachets of shabu worth P50,000.

Police said the suspects are now in custody as charges as being readied against them.  (Editor: Mike U. Frialde)