Suspect in killing of 4 Negros cops dies in Mandaluyong shootout

A prime suspect in the murder of four police officers in Negros Oriental was killed on Thursday in an encounter with authorities in Mandaluyong City, according to the Philippine National Police (PNP).

The suspect, identified as Ryan Sandag Manguilimutan, alias “James” and “Ka Ignacio” was killed in a shootout with a team of arresting officers at General Kalentong, Daang Bakal at 7 a.m.

PNP chief Police General Debold Sinas said the suspect was recruited by a rebel group at Northern Negros Front, KR-NCBS in 2013.

Sinas added that Manguilimutan was transferred to the Regional Strike Force of the group in 2016. He became a regular member in January 2018.

According to the PNP, Manguilimutan with six other members of the group intercepted and killed four officers of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 7 who were conducting information gathering in Barangay Mabato in June 2019.

The suspects brought the personal items of the victims as well as their firearms.

Authorities retrieved one Canik Pistol — one of the issued firearms to the slain policeman — three magazines with ammo, and 39 ammo for 9MM, among others from the suspect.—Joahna Lei Casilao/LDF, GMA News