Suspects in shooting of Mindoro prosecutor slain

MANILA, Philippines — Two suspects in the ambush which wounded Oriental Mindoro prosecutor Josephine Caranzo were killed in an alleged shootout with police officers in Calapan City yesterday.

Suspected guns-for-hire Robert Martinez, 24, and Edeper Gran, 34, fired at police officers who tried to arrest them at their hideout in Barangay Sapul at around 5 a.m., Brig. Gen. Tomas Apolinario, Mimaropa police director, said.

“The suspects noticed the approaching police officers and opened fire,” Apolinario said in a text message.

Col. Tomas Frias, Oriental Mindoro police chief, said witnesses positively identified the two as the suspects in the ambush of Caranzo.

The prosecutor was about to enter her home in Barangay Bayanan I when she was shot.

Frias said the owner of the red motorcycle used as the getaway vehicle, Joven Umali, is facing charges as an accessory to the crime.

The motorcycle, a .45-caliber pistol believed to be used in the shooting and two helmets were recovered in Barangay Managpi on Friday.

Frias said they are pursuing leads on the possible mastermind. He did not elaborate.