3 dead in Batangas shootout

SAN PEDRO CITY –– Three people were killed in a shootout with the police in an anti-drug operation in Calaca, Batangas on Monday night, authorities said Tuesday.

A report from the Calabarzon police office said Paolo Jhonnel Camantigue and his two unidentified companions were killed in the operation in Barangay Cahil around 8:30 p.m.

A combined team from the Cavite and the Batangas police, as well as the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, carried out the operation.

The undercover policemen met with the suspects on board a black sports utility vehicle for the sting operation, according to the report.

The suspects sold suspected “shabu” (crystal meth) worth P6,200 when they supposedly realized they were dealing with policemen.

The suspects allegedly opened fire, prompting the policemen to shoot back.

The suspects were killed on the spot.

Recovered from the scene were three guns and a hand grenade, authorities said.

LZB