Six alleged criminals were slain in separate encounters with lawmen in Angeles City and nearby Magalang town on Monday, the police said.
Chief Supt. Aaron N. Aquino, Director of the Central Luzon PNP, said police investigators are still establishing the identities of the suspects who were allegedly involved in illegal drugs trafficking, kidnapping and carnapping activities.
Aquino said two suspects were killed during a brief exchange of gunfire with Angeles City policemen along the Angeles-Magalang Road adjacent to the government resettlement center in Barangay Cacutud, Angeles City near Punta Verde.
The suspects were reportedly members of the Jimboy Santos Criminal Group based at EPZA Resettlement Center and operating in Angeles City and Pampanga areas. They were into illegal drugs and robbery hold-up, said a police source.
Aquino said the four other suspects were killed after they traded shots with lawmen who raided their safehouse in Magalang town.
Senior Supt. Rodolfo Recomono, Director of the Pampanga Provincial Police Office (PPO), said the firefight between the suspected kidnappers started at around 9 a.m. He said it lasted for more than 20 minutes.
When the smoke cleared, Recomono said four bodies were found sprawled on the ground.
Recomono said there were reports that the suspects were also engaged in carnapping and illegal drugs trafficking. He said investigation is ongoing to determine their identities.
High powered firearms and several motor vehicles believed to be stolen were found at the suspects’ hideout.