Slain killers of Batangas market exec named

BATANGAS, Philippines   â€“ Police have identified the two slain suspects in last Tuesday’s killing of the public market administrator of Tanauan City.

Superintendent Chris Olazo, Tanauan police chief, identified the two as Lerry Castillo, 49, a former policeman and an ex-convict with a pending drug case in San Pablo City; and Aristotle Dauz, 29. 

Olazo said the two suspects were identified through identification cards found in their pockets.

Castillo and Dauz were killed by a Special Weapons And Tactics (SWAT) team after they allegedly gunned down market administrator Manolo Roxas near his office. 

SWAT team member PO2 Roberto Janoras was wounded in the gunfight. Two vendors, including a minor, were hit by stray bullets during the incident.

Tanauan City Mayor Antonio Halili praised the police and his civilian security group Mac-G for “neutralizing” the two suspects.

Halili, together with Chief Superintendent Jesus Gatchalian, Region 4 police director, and Senior Superintendent Omega Fidel, Batangas police director, awarded Janoras a medal for wounded personnel.

Janoras will also be recommended for a one-rank promotion. He also received a cash reward from Halili, Batangas Gov. Vilma Santos-Recto, and the Batangas police.