Cop dead in Quezon clash

2 others hurt, suspect killed

MANILA, Philippines — One police officer and a suspected assailant were killed while two others were wounded in an armed encounter involving members of the Quezon Provincial Mobile Force Company (QPMFC) in Candelaria town on Friday night.

The Quezon Police Provincial Office said the clash occurred at around 7 p.m. along a barangay road in Sitio Pulyok, Barangay San Isidro, while police personnel were conducting a mobile patrol.

Based on initial investigation, the police team noticed several men standing near a banana plantation. One of the suspects allegedly opened fire at the officers, prompting them to return fire in what authorities said was self-defense.

Three policemen were hit in the exchange. Two were rushed to a nearby hospital and are currently undergoing treatment, while the third, identified as Pat Chavez of the 2nd QPMFC, was declared dead on arrival.

Following the incident, Quezon police launched a hot pursuit and dragnet operation. Authorities said a subsequent encounter occurred during the chase, resulting in the death of one suspect identified only as alias Antonio Satumba, a resident of Barangay Bucal in Tanza, Cavite.

Two 5.56 caliber rifles were recovered from the slain suspect. Meanwhile, pursuit operations against other suspects are ongoing.

Quezon police denounced violence against law enforcement personnel, as it expressed its condolences to the family of the slain officer. — Ed Amoroso