3 cops slain in clash with Samar gang members

MANILA, Philippines — Three policemen were killed and four others were wounded in a shootout with members of a criminal gang in Sta. Margarita, Samar yesterday.

The Philippine National Police is withholding the identities of the fatalities pending notification of their respective families, PNP public information officer Col. Jean Fajardo said in a Viber message.

The wounded policemen were taken to a hospital for treatment.

Fajardo said the policemen were about to serve an arrest warrant for Edito Ampoan, leader of the lawless group, and his companions Jojo Altarejos and Rojelio Macurol when the suspects opened fire.

The PNP said four gang members were arrested.

It has yet to be determined if there were casualties on the side of Ampoan’s group.

All police stations in Samar were placed on alert following the incident.

Security checkpoints were put up to arrest the remaining gang members.