Gang leader, 3 others shot dead

MANILA, Philippines — The suspected leader of a criminal gang in Samar and three other persons were gunned down in Tarlac, Nueva Ecija and Isabela on Monday.

Genesis Oquendo allegedly resisted arrest and fired at police operatives serving warrants for murder and frustrated murder at his hideout in Barangay San Vicente, Tarlac City. His alleged cohorts Henry Palmones, 48, and Victor Velasquez, 40, were arrested while two others escaped.

Oquendo was tagged in the killing of barangay officials and their supporters in the first district of Samar recently.

Four caliber .45 pistols, a caliber .38 revolver and various types of ammunition were recovered from the suspects, police said.

In Nueva Ecija, Joey de Leon, 39, was sitting on a motorcycle parked near the road in Barangay Bertese, Quezon when a motorcycle rider shot him several times. His companion Dominador Corilla was wounded.

Dionisio Busuego was driving his motorycle in Barangay Malapit, San Isidro when unidentified men on another motorbike appeared from behind and opened fire.

Retired  policeman Ramon Villanueva had  just picked up his grandchildren from school when he was shot by men wearing jackets who entered his house in Barangay San Mateo, Quirino. – Miriam Desacada, Ric Sapnu, Raymund Catindig, Ed Amoroso