Robbery gang leader killed in Laguna encounter

LAGUNA, Philippines — A suspected leader of a robbery gang was killed in an alleged shootout with police officers in Sta. Rosa City on Wednesday night.

Police said Bernaldo Mendoza, whose group was tagged in robberies in Calabarzon, fired at undercover agents in a sting for illegal firearms along Arcilla road in Barangay Tagapo at around 9:30 p.m.

Mendoza’s alleged cohort Jorge Almendra, said to be a member of the Fajardo drug ring operating in Calamba City, was also killed.

Lt. Col. Vicente Amante, Sta. Rosa police chief, said the fatalities were also tagged in the killing of a police officer in Camarines Sur.

Amante said the suspects were on the list of most wanted persons in Laguna.