Cattle rustlers, tanod slain in shootouts

MANILA, Philippines — Three suspected cattle rustlers and a village watchman were killed in alleged shootouts with police officers in Maguindanao and Zamboanga del Norte on Thursday.

Gilbert Gorde, watchman of Barangay Blensong in Upi town, was guiding personnel of the Maguindanao police to a group of suspected cattle rustlers when they were fired at. He died at the scene.

Police recovered an M14 rifle near the body of the slain suspect, who has yet to be identified.  

In Zamboanga del Norte, convict Isabelo Tarroza, alias Sonny Boy, who escaped from the San Ramon Penal Farm in Zamboanga City, and Alexandro delos Reyes shot it out with police operatives in Sitio Gulit, Barangay Lakiki, Sibuco.

A Garand, two improvised shotguns, a sub-machinegun, two rifle grenades and ammunition were recovered from the fatalities. The alleged cohort of the victims, Naser de Leon, was arrested.

Police said the group of Tarroza was tagged in cattle rustling and robbery in nearby barangays. – With Roel Pareño