Alleged gang leader slain in Ecija clash

CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga, Philippines – A suspected leader of a gang engaged in robbery, carjacking and contract killing was killed in an encounter with policemen in Aliaga town, Nueva Ecija Tuesday night.

Renato Galang, 37, died at the scene after he allegedly shot it out with a team of police officers from the provincial police, regional intelligence, and Aliaga police offices.

Chief Superintendent Raul Petrasanta, Police Regional Office 3 director, said Galang was spotted at an eatery in Barangay San Felipe Matanda.

Petrasanta said the suspect reportedly shot at a team of police officers out to serve a warrant.

Senior Superintendent Crizaldo Nieves, Nueva Ecija police director, said Galang was suspected to be responsible for the killing of provincial jail warden Enrico Campos last Aug. 13 and the slay try on Police Officer 2 Rolando Basmayor Jr. last June. 

Nieves said Gov. Aurelio Umali offered P1 million for the arrest of Campos’ killers.

He said members of Galang’s group have pending criminal and carjacking cases before the Cabanatuan and Talavera courts, respectively.