Manhunt for Samar cop killers launched

MANILA, Philippines — Lawmen have cordoned off roads and put up checkpoints in Sta. Margarita, Samar as a manhunt for members of a criminal gang behind the killing of three policemen in Sta. Margarita, Samar was launched yesterday.

Philippine National Police (PNP) public information officer Col. Jean Fajardo said pursuit operations for the suspects were being conducted in barangays near the hideout of the suspects.

Members of the First Samar Provincial Mobile Force Company (FSPMFC) led by Lt. Col. Seth Mark Alob along with Scene of the Crime Operations and investigating team were tasked to conduct pursuit operations.

Personnel of the 804th and 805th Manuever Companies of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion were directed to man checkpoints.

Master Sgt. Paul Terence Paclibar, Staff Sgt. Christian Tallo and Cpl. Eleazar Estrelles, all members of the FSPMFC, were killed in a clash with members of the Ampoan gang on Tuesday.

The PNP said it mourns the death of the three policemen as it offered its condolences to their respective families and colleagues.

”Their sacrifice in the line of duty will forever be honored and remembered,” the PNP said in a statement.

The three were among 30 policemen dispatched to serve an arrest warrant for the leaders of the Ampoan gang – Edito Ampoan, Jojo Altarejos and Rogelio Macurol – when the shootout occurred.

Samar police director Col. Peter Limbauan vowed to attain justice for the three policemen.

Limbuan said they also ”honor the lives” of the four policemen who were wounded in the gunfight.

Cpls. Ranel Pedamato and Mark Jason Sixta and Patrolmen Mark Redoblado and Ham Kritner Cabalis were airlifted to a hospital in Calbayog City for treatment.

“Our relentless effort to go after lawless elements may take down lives of good police officers, but remember, there will be more police officers of Samar who will stand up to fight for justice and uphold law and order in this province,” Limbauan said.

The PNP assured the families of the slain policemen of financial assistance.