‘Gun-for-hire’ slain in Laguna

SAN PEDRO CITY — An alleged member of a gun-for-hire syndicate in Laguna province was killed in a shootout in Alaminos town on Sunday evening, police said Monday.

Laguna police chief Sr. Supt. Eleazar Matta, in a text message, said Jay-ar Siervo, 35, a resident of Barangay (village) San Miguel, was part of a syndicate with links to the Alvero-Amante and the Manambit Drug groups. He was also allegedly involved in gun running.

Matta said intelligence police around 9:30 p.m. Sunday implemented a search warrant in the suspect’s home.

But the suspect allegedly resisted by drawing and firing a
.45 caliber gun tucked in his waist. The police returned fire and hit Siervo who died instantly.

Authorities found an M16 rifle and a shotgun, along with ammunition, in the suspect’s home.

Meanwhile, in the adjacent city of San Pablo, police arrested village councilor Richard Galit, 37, in an operation around 4:30 a.m. Monday.

Galit, an official in Barangay Concepcion, faced charges for illegal possession of firearms.

Police implemented a search warrant and found in the councilor’s possession a .38 caliber gun and several ammunition. /lzb