Ex-cop tagged in BIR execs’ kidnapping slain in Cavite

MANILA, Philippines — A former police officer tagged in the kidnapping of officials of the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) and his companion were killed in an alleged shootout with law enforcers in Kawit, Cavite yesterday.

Arlan Aguilar, a former corporal, and his still unidentified companion were riding a motorcycle when they encountered personnel of the Philippine National Police-Anti-Kidnapping Group (PNP-AKG), regional intelligence division and local police, according to Col. William Segun, Cavite police director.

Segun said the law enforcers, who were tailing the suspects, were about to serve a warrant of arrest against Aguilar when they were fired at along Abaya road in Barangay Toclong at around 2:30 a.m.

Cavite Regional Trial Court Branch 19 Judge Matias Garcia II issued the warrant for robbery with homicide.

“A gunbattle transpired during the chase until Aguilar and his cohort were hit,” Segun said in a text message.

Police said a .45-caliber pistol and four sachets of shabu were recovered from the fatalities.

Aguilar was said to be a member of the Gapos Gang. He had been under surveillance for his alleged involvement in the kidnapping of revenue district officers.

Aguilar’s brother Jose, also a former police officer, is also the subject of the warrant, according to Col. Jonnel Estomo, PNP-AKG acting director.

Aguilar was tagged in the robbery and killing of lawyer and former head of the National Insurance Commission Eduardo Malinis in Bacoor in 2014. The suspect was assigned at Camp Crame when he went absent without official leave following Malinis’ murder.

Last month, another suspect in the kidnapping of BIR officials was killed in an alleged shootout with police officers in Marilao, Bulacan.

President Duterte ordered the PNP to look into reports that at least 15 BIR officials have been kidnapped since 2013.

PNP chief Gen. Oscar Albayalde said they received reports that former and active police officers are among the members of the kidnap gang. – With Ed Amoroso