3 slain in South Cotabato encounter

COTABATO CITY, Philippines — Three alleged members of a private armed group were killed while a policeman was wounded following an encounter in Polomolok, South Cotabato on Tuesday.

Yokh Dajay, Harold Pasaquian and Ronnie Romano were killed after exchanging fire with police and Special Action Force commandos in Barangay Palkan, according to a report received by Brig. Gen. Percival Augustus Placer, Soccsksargen police director.

Chief M/Sgt. Jonathan Boiser was taken to a hospital for treatment of a gunshot wound.

Probers recovered three rifles near the remains of the fatalities, who reportedly belonged to a group that protects a person involved in a land dispute.

Nestor Espelon, allegedly a companion of the fatalities, was arrested after the incident, according to Maj. Johnny Rick Medel, chief of the Polomolok police.

Four other gunmen escaped after lawmen shot dead three of their companions.