Luzon’s most wanted kidnap suspect slain

MANILA, Philippines — The most wanted kidnap suspect in Luzon and his cohort were killed in an alleged shootout with police officers in Botolan, Zambales yesterday.

Michael Corpuz and his unidentified companion reportedly clashed with agents of the Anti-Kidnapping Group (AKG) serving an arrest warrant at his hideout in Barangay San Juan.

AKG director Brig. Gen. Jonnel Estomo said they conducted the operation based on a tip from an informant that the suspect was planning to stage robberies and kidnappings in Zambales.

Police said an M16 rifle, a .45 caliber pistol, two .38-caliber revolvers and assorted ammunition were recovered from the fatalities.

Estomo said Corpuz was with the so-called Mokong gang, which is tagged in kidnapping, gunrunning, robbery and illegal drugs in Rizal, Central Luzon and Metro Manila.