2 extortion gang suspects dead in clash with police
DAVAO CITY—Two suspected members of an extortion group were killed in a clash with police in an entrapment operation here on Thursday.
Senior Superintendent Ronald dela Rosa, city police chief, identified the slain suspects as Gerandi Cabardo Delarmente, 31, and Tanny Zabarte Tan, 33.
Dela Rosa said the suspects tried to extort money from Allan Medina, an engineer working for MAP Tractors Storage Co.
“The suspects earlier threatened, through text messages and calls, the victim that if he would not give in to their demand of half a million pesos, his whole family will be killed,” Dela Rosa said.
Prior to the police entrapment operation, the suspects agreed to meet at Sun City Subdivision with the victim, who negotiated for a lower amount of P300,000.
After getting the money, the suspects sped off but were blocked by police forces.
One of the suspects tried to draw a handgun but was shot. The other suspect jumped on a drainage canal and traded shots with the police.
Dela Rosa said police were still investigating if there were other members of the group.
Several bus companies in Mindanao have been victims of extortion gangs recently. Dennis Jay Santos, Inquirer Mindanao
