2 gun-for-hire suspects selling illegal firearms killed in Rizal encounter

MANILA, Philippines — Two gun-for-hire suspects who were also in the business of selling illegal firearms were killed in an armed encounter with police officers in Pililia, Rizal on Wednesday, the Philippine National Police Anti-Kidnapping Group (PNP-AKG) said Thursday.

In a statement, Police Brigadier General Jonnel Estomo, AKG chief, identified one of the suspects as Jake Pingal Anden, while the accomplice is still unidentified.

Estomo said AKG Rizal operatives hatched a buy-bust operation against Anden in Sitio Kawayan in Barangay Halayhayin at 3:15 a.m. after receiving a tip from a confidential informant about the suspects’ criminal activities of selling illegal firearms in the area.

During the bust, an undercover lawman bought P30,000 worth of illegal firearms from the two suspects, who were on board a motorcycle.

While counting the cash, the two suspects sensed the presence of law enforcers which prompted them to shoot at the police officers to thwart them. The police officers retaliated, resulting in the death of Anden and his companion.

Rizal police’s Scene of the Crime Operatives recovered five cal .45 pistols, five magazine, eight fired cartidge cases, one motorcycle and P30,000 marked money in the crime scene.

Estomo said the deceased suspects were supposedly engaged in illegal sale of firearms. Anden and his accomplice were also suspected members of the Dela Cruz kidnap for ransom group, which is known for operating in Rizal, Estomo added.

EDV