3 slain in Calabarzon shootings

CAMP VICENTE LIM, Laguna, Philippines — Three persons were killed in separate shootings in Cavite, Laguna and Batangas over the weekend.

Sean Christian Martinez died in an alleged encounter with police officers in Dasmariñas City, Cavite before dawn yesterday.

Martinez, who was on a motorcycle with a male companion, reportedly tried to avoid a checkpoint on Jose Abad Santos street in Barangay Salitran 4 at around 1:20 a.m.

The suspect reportedly shot at the pursuing officers, triggering a firefight that resulted in his death, according to Senior Superintendent William Segun, Cavite police director.

A police officer was wounded in the firefight and was rushed to a hospital for treatment.

Police arrested Martinez’s companion and recovered a .45 caliber pistol at the scene.

In Laguna,  tricycle driver Hilarion Cabato was waiting for passengers when he was killed by an unidentified assailant in Barangay Canlubang, Calamba City on Saturday.

On the same day, Agapito Calatin was on a motorcycle when he was killed by two men on another motorcycle in Barangay Banaba, Batangas City.

Police have yet to determine the motives for the killings.