Gang leader, 2 cohorts killed in shootout

CAMP VICENTE LIM, Laguna, Philippines  – An alleged leader of a crime ring, engaged in contract killing and armed robbery, and two of his henchmen were killed in an encounter with police officers in Dasmariñas City, Cavite on Sunday afternoon.

Rolando Villena Jr., alias Cobra, and his alleged cohorts identified as Onald Salamat and Jun Muslim died at the scene from gunshot wounds, according to Senior Superintendent Eliseo Cruz, Cavite police director.

Cruz said a concerned citizen sought the help of the police about the presence of a group of armed men in Barangay Langkaan 2 at past 2 p.m.

The gunmen reportedly shot at the responding police officers, triggering a firefight that resulted in the death of Salamat.

Cruz said Villena and Muslim tried to escape, but pursuing police officers shot and killed them along the road.

Villena’s gang was tagged in the murder of Indian trader Jasmeet Singh and Jaime Laurito in August in Barangay Salitran 3, also in Dasmariñas City.

Cruz said the group was also tagged in robbery incidents in passenger jeepneys and terminals in the city and nearby towns.

Seized from the suspects were two .38 caliber revolvers, a .45 caliber pistol and a homemade shotgun.

Bulacan clash leaves 2 dead

Meanwhile, in Bulacan, police officers shot and killed two suspected drug traffickers in an encounter in San Jose Del Monte City Sunday.

The fatalities were identified as Apolinario Bonifacio, 44, and Victorio Hosmillo, 38, while a third suspect managed to escape.

Reports said Bonifacio ranked fifth among the province’s most wanted drug traffickers and first in the city police’s drug list.

Members of the city police were about to serve a warrant for Bonifacio’s arrest at his home in Barangay San Pedro when the suspects shot at them, triggering a firefight.

Police recovered a .45 caliber and .38 caliber pistols, bullet shells, several motorcycles, motorcycle parts and accessories, five plastic sachets said to contain shabu and drug paraphernalia. – Ed Amoroso, Ramon Efren Lazaro, Ric Sapnu, Ding Cervantes