3 killed in Pangasinan ‘shootout’

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan, Philippines — Three people including a policeman were killed in an alleged shootout between two groups of men in Sta. Maria town in this province yesterday morning.

The slain policeman was identified as S/Sgt. Dennis Oria of the Tayug police station. The identities of the other fatalities were not immediately known.

Reports said two groups of men in separate vehicles figured in a quarrel in Barangay Simon.

Police said one of the men drew a gun, triggering a shootout that instantly killed two people.

Oria, who was on his way home on a motorcycle, stopped to verify the incident, but he too was fatally shot.

Responding officers from the Sta. Maria police and 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company arrested three suspects, and seized four handguns and a vehicle. 

Brig. Gen. Lou Evangelista, Ilocos police director, gave assurance that a thorough probe would be conducted.