3 slain in Bukidnon ‘shootout’

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Philippines — Three persons were killed while a police officer was wounded in an alleged shootout in Quezon town, Bukidnon yesterday.

The fatalities, identified as Joseph Pateres, 39; his partner Marissa Libringka, and a certain Jun Plaza were declared dead on arrival in a nearby hospital, according to Col. Jun Mark Lagare, Bukidnon police director.

Pateres and his companions reportedly opened fire at a group of police officers, who were serving a warrant for his arrest on charges of attempted murder, according to Col. Jun Mark Lagare, Bukidnon police director.

A firefight ensued for 20 minutes, which resulted in the death of the suspects and wounding of an officer.

The wounded officer was taken to the Malaybalay Polymedic Hospital for treatment.

Probers said they recovered a .45-caliber pistol, grenade and plastic sachet said to contain shabu from Pateres as well as a handgun each from Libingka and Plaza.