2 suspects slain in shootouts

MANILA, Philippines - A suspected gun-for-hire and a motorcycle thief were killed in alleged shootouts with police in separate incidents yesterday.

A man who has yet to be identified reportedly drew his gun when policemen tried to recover a motorcycle he allegedly stole from a certain Maron Gabuyo in Barangay San Juan in Ilagan City, Isabela.

In Pangasinan, police said Usang Reyes of a gun-for-hire syndicate that is also involved in extortion drew his gun when he sensed he had dealt with undercover operatives during an entrapment in Barangay Nacasayan in Urdaneta City. His companion Eric Serain was arrested.

Meanwhile, in La Union, three suspected members of a gunrunning syndicate – Army reservist Rogelio Regacho Jr., 33; Ronnel Laroco, 29, and Benson Aquino, 26, – were arrested in a sting in Barangay San Pablo in Balaoan, La Union on Sunday.

Three guns and ammunition were recovered from the suspects. – Raymund Catindig, Eva Visperas, Jun Elias