MANILA, Philippines — Three suspected members of a gun-for-hire group were killed in what police said was a shootout in Caloocan City before dawn yesterday.
Jojo Castro, Rommy Mallari and Escott Roque allegedly fired at Highway Patrol Group (HPG) personnel along Quirino Avenue at around 1:45 a.m.
HPG director Brig. Gen. Alexander Tagum said police officers pulled over the suspects who were in a Mazda 3 sedan.
When asked for the car’s registration papers, Tagum said the suspects drew their guns and sped off.
Police said the suspects were cornered after a brief chase. Instead of surrendering, they allegedly fired at policemen who retaliated.
Investigation showed that the car was stolen in 2015. Three different license plates and assorted firearms were recovered by police.
Tagum said a fourth suspect, the vehicle’s driver, escaped and is now the subject of a manhunt. – Marc Jayson Cayabyab