3 COPS KILLED, 4 HURT IN SHOOTOUT WITH SAMAR GANG MEMBERS

A GUNBATTLE between an armed criminal group and operatives on Tuesday left three cops dead and four others wounded in Santa Margarita, Samar.

Killed were Staff Sgt. Christian Tallo and Corporal Eliazar Estrelles Jr. of the 1st Samar Provincial Mobile Force Company (SPMFC), and MSgt. Paul Terence Paclibar of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion (RFMB.)

The wounded were Corporals Rannel Pedamato and Mark Jason Sixta, and Patrolmen Ham Kritnere Capalis and Mark Redoblado.

Officers were serving warrants of arrest against the leader and members of the Ampoan criminal group in Bgy. Mahayag in Santa Margarita when they were met with bullets.

The subject of the warrants of arrest were murder suspects Edito Ampoan Jr., the alleged gang leader; and gang members Jojo Altarejos and Rogelio Macorol.

The Philippine National Police mourned the death of the three policemen.

PNP chief Gen. Benjamin C. Acorda Jr. ordered all-out efforts to bring justice to the fallen officers and their families.

Acorda extended his heartfelt condolences and support to the bereaved families of the slain policemen, whom he said all displayed exceptional bravery and heroism beyond the call of duty.

“Their sacrifice will forever be etched in the history of the Philippine National Police as a shining example of courage and dedication,” Acorda said.