2 guards killed, 5 injured in Negros Occ shootout

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines — Two security guards were killed, while five others, including a soldier and an Army reservist, were injured in an alleged shootout in Talisay City, Negros Occidental Monday, police said.

Talisay City Police chief, Supt. Thomas Joseph Martir, identified the slain guards as Francis Lumangyao and Federico Mandate, and two of the five injured as Cpl. Rene Escalona and reservist Lolito Onate.

Martir said they also detained two Army reservists, pending investigations of the incident.

The reported shootout between the security guards and Army reservists in Hacienda Handumanan Brgy. Concepcion was triggered by a land dispute, said Martir.

Authorities recovered from the scene an M-16 assault rifle, three 12-gauge shotguns, a homemade shotgun, a .22-caliber rifle and spent shells of various firearms.

Acting Negros Occidental Police director, Senior Supt. Celestino Guara Jr., ordered an investigation on the alleged shootout and the reported land conflict. (FREEMAN)