4 suspected hijackers killed in Batangas encounter

(Updated 9:25 a.m.) At least four suspected hijackers were gunned down in an encounter with police in Batangas province before dawn Tuesday.

 

The four were aboard a Starex-type van when a police team conducting an operation chanced upon them at 4:30 a.m., according to a report on dwIZ radio.

 

Police did not immediately identify the slain suspects.

 

Citing initial information from Sto. Tomas town police head Superintendent Raul Tacaca, the report said the four engaged police in a chase that ended at a checkpoint in San Roque village.

 

Upon reaching the checkpoint, the suspects allegedly fired at their pursuers, who fired back. A police report identified two of the slain suspects as Roberto Rio and Jun Castillo. Authorities recovered the following: two baby Armalite rifles and two cal .45 pistols; a white Hyundai Starex and five cartoons of CDO products.

 

Tecaca said police are now verifying information that the slain suspects were part of a gang operating in Laguna and Batangas. – KG/RSJ, GMA News