Central Visayas’ most wanted dead in shootout

CEBU, Philippines — Central Visayas’ top 1 most wanted person was killed in a shootout with the police in Sitio Magkabayo, Barangay Capio-an, Argao Town, Cebu, around 3:30 A.M. yesterday.

Elements of the Argao Police Station said they came to arrest Roel Antiquina Gomez, alias “Santino”, but he resisted, leading to an armed confrontation that resulted in his death.

Gomez, a resident of Colawin, Argao, was wanted for three counts of murder, attempted murder, illegal discharge of firearms, robbery with homicide, and two counts of illegal possession of explosives.

Policemen said that when they arrived to arrest Gomez they found him in the house of a certain Helen Davin. Gomez allegedly noticed them and fired his gun several times at them, damaging the jalousie window of the house.

Policemen fired back and wounded Gomez who was immediately brought to the Isidro Kintanar Memorial Hospital where he was declared dead on arrival around 4:30 A.M.

A certain JR Davin Loquinario, 29, allegedly an accomplice of Gomez, was arrested during the incident. Confiscated from him was a .45 cal. pistol with live rounds.

Cebu Provincial Police Office Provincial Director Police Colonel Percival Zorilla praised the efforts of the operating teams, saying this operation highlights the dedication of the Cebu police in tracking down and apprehending high-profile criminals in the region. — (FREEMAN)