Alleged members of Candelaria robbery hold-up group killed in police ops

MANILA, Philippines — Suspected members of the Candelaria robbery hold-up group died in a shootout with law enforcers in Parañaque City on Monday night, police said Tuesday.

A report from Parañaque police identified the deceased suspects as Joseph Candelaria, Nazzan Albao, alias “Alenain,” alias “Aseras,” and alias “Cornoso.”

The operation stemmed after police arrested Andy Capia for possession of illegal firearms at a parking lot in Parañaque early Monday morning. Capia admitted that he is a member of Candelaria robbery hold-up group which targets workers of Philippine offshore gaming operators and Chinese loan sharks.

With this, members of Parañaque police station’s District Special Operations Unit, Parañaque police community precinct 2 and Parañaque police station launched entrapment operation to arrest Capia’s cohorts.

Law enforcers apprehended Candelaria and Albao in an entrapment operation along Diosdado Macapagal Avenue at around 2 p.m.

Police then set another entrapment operation against alias “Alenain,” alias “Aseras” and alias “Cornoso” in Barangay Tambo. At 9:15 p.m., the suspects onboard a van arrived at the said area.

Suspects suddenly opened fire after sensing the entrapment. Police retaliated, killing the three suspects.

Police said Candelaria and Albao, who were also present during the entrapment, allegedly died in the crossfire between their three cohorts and police officers.

The driver of the van, only known as alias “Layco,” managed to escape from the scene.

Recovered were two cal. 45 firearms, 9mm glock pistol and one Toyota Vios with plate number YX1038. The vehicle was owned by Candelaria and Abao. /je