Gang member slain in Bulacan shootout

SAN MIGUEL, Bulacan — A notorious criminal gang member was killed while four others were arrested in a shootout in this town on Monday which also saw two police officers being injured.

Police Regional Office 3 director Brigadier General Cesar Pasiwen said that the suspect — identified as Rommel Suarez — died during the shootout.

Pasiwen disclosed that the Bulacan Police Provincial Office was about to serve a warrant against Suarez at Barangay Maligaya of the said town as he is wanted for violation of section 5 article II of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

The report stated that while the operating troops were near Suarez' place, Suarez and his cohorts opened fire that resulted in a shootout. Suarez was killed while Police Corporal Richard Neri and Pat Aaron James Ibasco of the 2nd Provincial Maneuver Force Company were injured.

Other suspects who were arrested are identified as Fernando Perez y Saclolo; Reynier de la Cruz y Vendevil; Shierlyn Anne Pangilinan; and Rowena Daquiz y Pangilinan. Another suspect, identified as Larry Garcia, managed to escape.

Authorities recovered at the crime scene a shot gun; caliber 45 handgun; homemade silver pistol; six fired cartridge casings of caliber 45; 14 pieces of live ammo; nine 12 gauge shells; three magazine assemblies; 74 cartridges of caliber 30 carbine; five carbine magazines; three fired cartridge casing of 9mm; 13 fired cartridge cases of M16; four small transparent plastic sachets containing suspected shabu; weighing scale; and assorted drug paraphernalia.

Pasiwen commended the operating troops for a job well done and further assured the public that Central Luzon cops even at all costs will continue its campaign to eradicate all forms of criminality particularly illegal drugs and loose firearms within the region.