3 dead in clash with police searching for guns, drugs in Ilocos Norte

Ilocos Norte police seize high-powered firearms from the home of Delfin Guiang in Currimao, Ilocos Norte on Apr. 28, 2017. Three people died in an ensuing firefight with the police, but the homeowner, Guiang, was able to flee. — Photo from the Facebook page of Joey Quaiot

LAOAG CITY, Ilocos Norte — Three people died in a Friday morning (April 28) police operation in Currimao town, Ilocos Norte, but the police did not capture their intended target.

The fatalities were inside the home of suspected gunrunner Delfin Guiang when policemen, armed with a search warrant, raided the house at 7 a.m. in Poblacion village.

Police said the occupants of the house fought back, triggering a firefight that killed Guiang’s son Donel, Joseph Coloma and Glen Esteban, said Chief Insp. Ryan Retutar, Currimao chief of police.

Initial reports said Guiang was in another house in Pangil village when the police launched its operation, but was later reported to have fled from the Poblacion house during the gun battle. A fifth suspect also escaped, but was captured at the boundary of San Nicolas town and Batac City.

Police said the five men were also considered persons of interest in relation to an August 2016 explosion that struck a solar power facility in Currimao

The police recovered high powered weapons, ammunition, and explosives at the Guiang family compound, Retutar said. The raid also uncovered drug paraphernalia at the crime scene.

Guiang used to work for an aluminum company in Currimao town. Since his retirement, Guiang has been raising hogs, his relatives said.  SFM

Currimao, Ilocos Norte (Google maps)