CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga — A daylight robbery in Gabaldon, Nueva Ecija on Tuesday triggered a police pursuit and shootout, leaving one suspect dead, another arrested and a police officer wounded, the Police Regional Office 3 (PRO3) reported.
At around 2:40 p.m., two armed men allegedly accosted a woman in Purok Ilang-Ilang, Barangay Tagumpay, Gabaldon.
The Gabaldon Municipal Police Station immediately launched a hot pursuit operation and alerted nearby police units to intercept the fleeing suspects.
At about 3:30 p.m., personnel of the Bongabon Municipal Police Station spotted two motorcycle riders in Barangay Bantug believed to be linked to the robbery.
When officers attempted to flag them down, the suspects ignored the order and sped off, eventually crashing their motorcycles during the chase.
Police said one of the suspects then allegedly fired at the pursuing officers, prompting an exchange of gunfire.
A police officer sustained gunshot wounds and is undergoing medical treatment.
One suspect was critically wounded and declared dead on arrival at the hospital, while the second suspect was arrested.
Authorities are continuing their investigation to determine the identities of the suspects and gather further details about the robbery.
Police Brig. Gen. Ponce Rogelio I. Peñones Jr., director of PRO3, commended the swift response and coordination of personnel, citing their commitment to maintaining peace and order in Central Luzon.