Wanted ex-vice mayor slain in Kalinga ‘shootout’

BAGUIO CITY , Philippines — A former municipal vice mayor wanted for murder charges was killed in an alleged encounter in Lubuagan, Kalinga before dawn yesterday.

Former Lubuagan vice mayor Corey Dickpus was declared dead on arrival at the Kalinga Provincial Hospital due to gunshot wounds in the body.

A police officer was wounded in the shootout, which occurred in the house of the suspect in Barangay Poblacion.

Probers said the arresting team recovered two rifles and a pistol at the scene.

Reports said that members of the Lubuagan police backed by Special Action Force commandos went to the house of Dickpus to serve a warrant for his arrest.

Dickpus, tagged as the “Robin Hood of Kalinga,” ran but lost in the May 2025 elections.

Villagers reportedly hid Dickpus from police officers who tried to arrest him in the past.

Dickpus was tagged as the principal suspect in the murder of five traders from Pangasinan in 2000.

A P1-million reward was offered for his capture.

Acting Philippine National Police chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez said the suspect was among most wanted people in the country.