Cops clash with armed group; 3 slain

BACOLOD CITY  , Philippines  — Three members of an armed group were killed in an encounter with personnel of the Western Visayas Regional Public Safety Battalion in Barangay Cambayobo, Calatrava, Negros Occidental on Friday.

The slain suspects were identified as Sabino Mancao, Ramil Castor and Emar Himang. Romnick Octavio, Pepe Lausa and Josie Castor were arrested.

Chief Inspector Joel Batusbatusa, Calatrava police chief, said two improvised guns, two .38-caliber revolvers, an automatic pistol, a shotgun and various types of ammunition were recovered from the suspects.

Batusbatusa said the fatalities are former New People’s Army (NPA) rebels engaged in extortion and other illegal activities.