MANILA, Philippines – A suspect in the killing of two policemen in Mabalacat was gunned down during a shootout in Pampanga, while three of his alleged cohorts were arrested, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said on Monday.
The PNP said in a statement that the unidentified motor-riding suspect was killed in an alleged armed clash with Pampanga police officers at a checkpoint early Sunday morning.
Recovered from the suspect were a .45 caliber pistol and a motorcycle, it added.
This came after three other suspects – Jun Baluyut, 44, Aries Bagsic, 40, Leslie Paciente, 30 – were earlier arrested at the village of Dau in Mabalacat.
The four suspects are believed to be behind the death of anti-narcotics agents Master Sergeant Sofronio Capitle Jr. and Staff Sergeant Dominador Gacusan Jr., who were both shot dead by motorcycle-riding men last Saturday.
“Based on witnesses’ account, the suspects alighted from their motorcycles and shot the victims at point blank range on their head that resulted in their immediate death,” the PNP narrated.
PNP chief Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr. has since given the directive for the police to conduct follow-up investigations and operations for the possible apprehension of other suspects behind the murder of the two policemen.
He also extended his condolences to the bereaved families of Capitle and Gacusan.
“The entire PNP family grieves with their family and loved ones for losing a great son, a friend, and a public servant. Rest assured, the PNP will provide all due assistance to our demised members,” Azurin added.