'Kuratong Baleleng' suspect slain in shootout

MANILA, Philippines - A suspected member of the “Kuratong Baleleng” crime gang was killed in an alleged running gunbattle with police from Taguig to Makati City Thursday night.

Senior Superintendent Camilo Cascolan, Taguig City police chief, identified the suspect as Ramil Pacana, alias Vicvic, a resident of Pateros.

Pacana, who sustained a gunshot wound in the head, was rushed to the Ospital ng Makati but died while undergoing treatment at around 10:10 p.m.

According to a report, a police team was patrolling along Carlos P. Garcia street in Taguig at around 6:10 p.m. when they spotted the suspect, who was on foot, with something bulging around his waist.

As the policemen approached, the suspect shot at them while running toward J.P. Rizal Avenue in Barangay East Rembo in Makati City. Pacana was shot in the head, reportedly during the chase.

Cascolan said the suspect has pending cases for carjacking and robbery in Pateros.

The Kuratong Baleleng crime gang’s name became a byword in 1999 when 11 alleged members were reportedly killed by the Presidential Anti-Crime Commission, led by fugitive Sen. Panfilo Lacson, who was then chief of the Philippine National Police.