2 rob suspects slain in Cavite encounter

CAMP VICENTE LIM, Laguna, Philippines – Two suspected robbers were killed in an encounter with police officers in Silang, Cavite Saturday night while a village chief was shot dead in front of a barangay hall in Imus City Friday.

The encounter occurred after the two suspects allegedly robbed at gunpoint jeepney passengers along Emilio Aguinaldo Highway at around 9:30 p.m., said Superintendent Romano Cardiño, chief of the provincial police’s intelligence division.

The robbers took the money, phones and other belongings of the passengers, but one of the victims managed to ask for police help through a text message, Cardiño said.

Police pulled the robbers over at a checkpoint in Barangay Lalaan 1. One of the suspects, however shot at the police officers, triggering a shootout.

Police recovered a caliber .38 revolver and the victims’ belongings from the suspects.

Meanwhile, Sultan Wahid Saliling, 39, chairman of Barangay Bayan Luma 2 in Imus City, died at the scene from two gunshots to the head, Cardiño said.

Reports said Saliling was standing beside the village hall when he was shot by three men at around 6:30 p.m.

Cardiño said witnesses identified one of the assailants as Jammy Macaborod, alias Amboy, 30, a native of Lanao del Norte.

Police have yet to identify the other two suspects.