Gang leader, 2 cohorts slain in shootout with cops

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Philippines — The alleged leader of a gang operating in Batangas and two of his cohorts were killed in a shootout with law enforcers in this city on Thursday night, police said.

The fatalities were identified as Marvin Fajardo and Poli Andrew and Paul Adrian, both surnamed Redondo.

Irish Manaig and her sister Richelle were arrested.

The slain suspects reportedly fired at a team of police Special Action Force commandos, Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG)-Northern Mindanao, 4th Infantry Division and other law enforcers serving a warrant of arrest at an exclusive subdivision in Barangay Lumbia.

Judge Michelle Manaig-Calumpong of the 4th Judicial Region Municipal Trial Court of Tanauan City, Batangas issued the arrest warrant against Fajardo for direct assault.

Maj. Evan Viñas, city police spokesman, said the suspects are members of the Fajardo gang, which is tagged in robbery, extortion, contract killing, kidnapping and illegal drugs in Batangas and Metro Manila.

Col. Raymund Liguden, CIDG regional director, said the suspects had been under surveillance after the Calabarzon police received reports that they were hiding in this city.

Liguden said they expect to obtain more information about the gang from the Manaig sisters.

He said the suspects face charges for illegal possession of firearms.