2 jail guards, 2 cops killed in encounter

MANILA, Philippines — Two officers of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) and two policemen were killed in a supposed encounter in Muntinlupa City yesterday morning.

Jail Officer 1 Felino Salazar, 48, and JO2 Elmer Anog Malindao, 33, were declared dead on arrival at the Muntinlupa Medical Center from gunshots to the body, according to city police chief Senior Superintendent Dante Novicio.

Police Officer 1 Jover John Lardizabal died at the scene while PO3 Arnel Rubio succumbed to gunshots wounds at the Ospital ng Muntinlupa, Novicio said.

Novicio said JO1 Deejay Tanael, 30, of the Bureau of Corrections, was taken into police custody after he was seen in the area armed with a handgun.

Authorities said they recovered two .45-caliber revolvers from Lardizabal and Rubio.

Salazar, Malindao and Tanael yielded 9mm pistols.

Investigation showed that the shooting occurred along the National Road in Barangay Tunasan shortly after Salazar and Malindao left the Muntinlupa city jail at around 8:30 a.m.

Lardizabal and Rubio, who were on a motorcycle, allegedly opened fire at Salazar and Malindao.

JO1s John Edades, Moldero Sogan and Richard Basiloy responded to the shooting, Novicio said.

They chased Lardizabal and Rubio, resulting in an exchange of gunfire.

Novicio said they were checking closed-circuit television footage to get a clearer picture of the incident.

Salazar, who was transferred to the Muntinlupa city jail three months ago, was allegedly on the drug watchlist of the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO).

He also has pending cases for robbery, extortion and grave misconduct. Lardizabal is assigned with the NCRPO.