Authorities kill suspect in barrio doctor's slaying

One of the suspects in the killing of barrio doctor Dreyfuss Perlas was shot dead by a joint team of police and military operatives in Kapatagan, Lanao del Norte on Saturday afternoon.

Lt. Col. Audie Mongao, commander of the Army's 15th Infantry Battalion, said a composite team of the military and the local police was formed to serve an arrest warrant on known hired gun Agapito Tamparong, who has aliases Tamparong Manatad, Rico and Darwin, after receiving a tip of the suspect's presence in Barangay Tiacongan.

The local police said the arrest warrant was issued by Judge Alberto Quinto of the Kapatagan Regional Trial Court Branch 21 against Tamparong for double murder and frustrated murder cases.

Upon arrival at the area, Tamparong allegedly attempted to escape. When cornered by the arresting team, the suspect allegedly lobbed a grenade.

The police retaliated by firing at the suspect, killing him.

Health Secretary Paulyn Ubial said went to Aklan over the weekend to condole with the family of Dr. Perlas.

Ubial told the family that the barrio doctor will receive a posthumous award from the Department of Healty (DOH) declaring him as a Hero on National Health.

She said that despite the risks to volunteer doctors, the DOH will continue its Doctor to the Barrios program.

"Huwag po tayong magpatalo sa terorismo at sa takot kasi kailangan po tayo ng taumbayan... Kahit po na may nangyaring ganitong 'di kanaisnais, ang panawagan ng DOH ay patuloy po tayong manindigan sa hustisya at karapatan ng ating mga health workers," Ubial said. —reports from Merlyn Manos and Jun Aguirre/ALG/RSJ, GMA News