Kidnap suspect, companion slain in Rizal shootout

RIZAL, Philippines — A suspected member of a kidnap gang and his companion were killed in an alleged shootout with police officers in San Mateo, Rizal on Thursday.

Nathaniel Recto and his unidentified companion were on a motorcycle when they pulled their guns as they sensed they were being followed by police officers in Barangay Gulod Malaya at around 1:45 p.m.

Brig. Gen. Jonnel Estomo, Anti-Kidnapping Group director, said the police officers were supposed to serve an arrest warrant for Recto for kidnapping.

Estomo said Recto was a member of a gang tagged in kidnappings in Laguna.

Police said a .38-caliber revolver, a .45-caliber pistol and sachets of shabu were recovered from the fatalities.