Cops kill 3 ‘hired killers’ in Malabon shootout

MANILA, Philippines - Police shot dead three suspected hired killers and arrested another after a running gun battle in Malabon City Friday evening. A commander of a police community precinct was also wounded during the shootout, which occurred after the suspects shot dead the security officer of a mall in the city. Radio dzBB's Rowena Salvacion reported the three were initially identified only through their nicknames Joaquin, Greg and Toto. A fourth was identified as Ernesto Iwa. Malabon City police chief Sr. Supt. Roberto Villanueva said they recovered from the suspects three cal-.45 pistols, a cal-.38 revolver and a grenade. Initial investigation showed the gang had shot dead one Ricky Villagracia, security officer at Malabon City Square, at 5:30 p.m. The incident triggered a chase where the suspects shot and wounded Sr. Insp. Zosimo Sumagpang, head of the police community precinct 4. - GMANews.TV