3 killed in Bulacan ‘shootout’

MALOLOS , Philippines — Three suspected members of a group engaged in contract killing were killed an an alleged shootout in San Miguel, Bulacan yesterday afternoon.

One of the fatalities was identified as Gilbert Mondares. Two other members of the group managed to escape, according to Lt. Col. Rizalino Andaya, chief of the 2nd Police Mobile Force Company.

Reports said that Mondares, who had a standing warrant for illegal possession of firearms, and his companions were spotted going to the town proper.

A joint team of the police and the military set up a checkpoint along Cagayan Valley Road in Barangay Camias to intercept the suspects, Col. Lawrence Cajipe,  Bulacan police director, said.

The suspects reportedly tried to avoid the checkpoint, prompting authorities to pursue them, trigerring a firefight that resulted in the death of the three. – Ramon Efren Lazaro

Police recovered from the scene of the incident two pistols, a rifle and a grenade.