Forest ranger’s slay suspect hurt in shootout

MANILA, Philippines — A suspect in the murder of a forest ranger in Palawan was wounded in an alleged encounter with police officers on Saturday.

Ruel Fulgencio, 39, allegedly resisted when police officers arrested him in Barangay Corong-Corong in El Nido at around 4 p.m.

Fulgencio reportedly shot at the arresting team, triggering a firefight, according to Lt. Col. Socrates Faltado, spokesman for the Mimaropa (Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan) police.

The suspect  was brought to a hospital for treatment of a gunshot wound in the foot.

Fulgencio was among the alleged illegal loggers accused of killing forest ranger Bievinidio Veguilla in Barangay Pasadena.

Another suspect, identified as Fernan Flores, was arrested in followup operation earlier conducted by the police.