CEBU, Philippines — An alleged notorious hitman who had been subject of manhunt operation since August was killed while a police officer was injured in a shootout yesterday afternoon in Talisay City.
Jessie Largo shot it out with the operatives of Regional Intelligence Division at his residence in Deca Homes 3, Barangay Dumlog. He died during an exchange of gunfire which injured Police Officer 3 David Narraja.
Police Regional Office-7 director Chief Superintendent Jose Mario Espino announced Largo’s death during a press conference after the operation.
“This time dead na si Jessie Largo, we have definitely solved other crimes na possible na siya ang perpetrator,” Espino said.
Largo has a P200,000 cash reward above his head after he was tagged in the shooting to death of Jon Ronli Calizar, son of former The Freeman reporter and now Philippine Information Agency staff Ferliza Contratista, last August 26.
Espino said the death of Largo should serve notice to the other fugitives that the police are bent going after them.
“It only shows the police is really bent on running after duon sa mga suspect particularly duon kay Calizar,” Espino said.
Espino immediately visited Narraja who is now recuperating from gunshot wound to his left face in a private hospital in Cebu City. Narraja was part of the team who raided Largo’s residence yesterday.
“We are here to ensure that our police officer is given the best medical treatment,” Espino said.
He said the police officer is now in stable condition. He also assured the family of Narraja that the PNP will pay for his hospital bills. He will also get all the necessary benefits.
According to Espino, the police operatives first entered Largo’s residence but did not find him during the first attempt. On the second attempt, a hail of gunfire from Largo greeted the raiding team and a shootout ensued.
Police recovered a KG-9 sub machine gun and a caliber .45 pistol from Largo. (FREEMAN)