Suspected kidnapper, accomplice slain in shootout with Zambales cops

The police secure the scene of the encounter in Botolan, Zambales, where a suspected kidnapper and his accomplice were slain after engaging lawmen in a shootout. Photo courtesy of Zambales police

OLONGAPO CITY –– A suspected kidnapper and his accomplice were shot dead in an encounter with the police in Botolan town, Zambales province on Wednesday, Feb. 17.

The suspect, identified as Miguelito Corpuz, 33, a resident of Mauban, Quezon, had been hiding at Sitio Alao in Barangay San Juan with the still-unidentified accomplice.

The police said they were trying to arrest Corpuz at 11: 40 p.m.

But Corpuz and his companion resisted arrest and fired shots at the lawmen, which led to a shootout, investigators said.

Recovered from the encounter scene were ammunition, two sachets of suspected “shabu” (crystal meth), and drug paraphernalia.

The police said Corpuz was involved in kidnap-for-ransom and car theft incidents.

LZB