2 criminal gang leaders slain in Bulacan shootout

The alleged leader of a breakaway group of the Hukbong Mapagpalaya ng Bayan (HMB) which has resorted to criminal activities, and his deputy were killed and two of their henchmen were captured in a shootout with police in San Miguel, Bulacan early yesterday.

Slain in the 30-minute firefight were Enrique Mangaluz alias Kumander Tanggol/Saresa, and his deputy, Rocky Maon. They headed the so-called "Tanggol gang" which was linked to several kidnappings, highway robberies, car thefts, and gun-for-hire and extortion activities.

Those arrested were identified as Romeo Gallo, 38, and Rudy Ancheta, 41.

Police seized after the shootout in Barangay Kamias, San Miguel town two Elisco M-16 rifles, a caliber .45 pistol, five M-16 and four .30 US Carbine magazines, several M-16 bullets and a caliber .45 magazine. — Jaime Laude