1 dead, 2 hurt in Navotas shootout

MANILA, Philippines - A suspected member of a gun-for-hire syndicate was killed while another gang member and a police officer were wounded in a shootout in Navotas City shortly before midnight Monday.

City police chief Superintendent Dindo Quibuyen identified the slain suspect as Enjoy Montuerto, 40. His alleged fellow hitman, Rolando Sabaulan, suffered a gunshot wound in the left leg and was taken to the Tondo General Hospital in Manila.

Police Officer 1 Orlando Cruz, one of several lawmen who responded to a distress call from a resident, is recovering from a gunshot wound in the body at the same hospital.

Police officers detained suspected hitmen Rolando Eugenio, 37; Ladimer Balanza, 18; and Arman Ana, 29. They also seized two pistols, a revolver, and two loaded magazines from the suspects.

According to a report, Cruz – together with Police Officers 1 Julius Mendoza, Mark Anthony Motin and Rolando Mamor – rushed to respond to a call from a resident about five armed men harassing bystanders along Leongson street in Barangay San Roque.

As the police officers approached, Eugenio warned his group, who drew their guns. Ana shot Cruz in the ribs, but Cruz fired back and hit Sabaulan in the left leg. Mendoza shot Montuerto, hitting him in the head.

Quibuyen said appropriate charges will be filed against the arrested suspects.