Suspect in killing of two Pampanga cops died in shootout —PNP

A man believed to be part of the group behind the killing of two policemen in Pampanga on Saturday was killed in a hot pursuit operation, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said Monday.

The unidentified suspect, who was on board a motorcycle, was killed after allegedly engaging police forces in an armed encounter at a checkpoint on Sunday, the PNP said in a statement.

Recovered at the scene of the encounter were a caliber 45 pistol and a motorcycle, the PNP said.

The encounter occurred as Pampanga Police personnel were conducting followup operations to capture the suspects in the killing of Police Senior Master Sergeant Sofronio Capitle Jr. and Police Staff Sergeant Dominador Gacusan Jr.

Authorities have earlier arrested three suspects in the killing, namely Jun Jun Espiritu Baluyut, Aries Espiritu Bagisic, and Leslie Placiente. They were arrested in Barangay Dau in Mabalacat City, Pampanga, early Sunday morning.

Based on initial investigation, victims Capitle and Gacusan of Mabalacat Police were on their way from anti-illegal drugs operations when unidentified suspects fired at them.

The suspects alighted from their motorcycles and shot the victims at point blank, resulting in their immediate death, the PNP said, citing witnesses.

"I already gave my order to [the Police Regional Office 3 director] to supervise the conduct of thorough investigation and pursuit operation to arrest those who were involved on this murder case that led to death of our two PNP personnel," PNP chief Police General Rodolfo Azurin Jr. said.

"We expressed our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families of PSMS Capitle and PSSg Gacusan. The entire PNP family grieves with their family and loved ones for losing a great son, a friend, and a public servant. Rest assured that PNP will provide all due assistance to our demised members,” he added. —Joviland Rita/KBK, GMA Integrated News