The Anti-Kidnapping Group of the Philippine National Police (PNP) killed two suspected gunrunners in a buy-bust operation in Quezon City last Saturday.
One of the slain suspects was identified as Johnny Radaza, reportedly a former member of the Waray-Waray criminal group which was engaged in kidnapping-for-ransom and other illegal activities.
The other fatality is still unidentified.
AKG director Police Brig. Gen. Jonnel Estomo said they immediately planned a buy-bust operation after one of their assets was able to negotiate the purchase of two .45 pistols from the group of Razada.
The transaction occurred at around 10:30 p.m. in Barangay Bagong Silangan. The buy-bust was announced while one of the suspects started counting the money.
Estomo said one of the suspects allegedly pulled out a handgun which led to a brief gun battle. The two were declared in the hospital.
AKG spokesman Police Major Ronaldo Lumactod said Razada shifted to gunrunning activities and robbery after the key members and leaders of the Waray-Waray Group were either arrested or killed in various police operations.
He said Razada was tagged as responsible for kidnap-for-ransom activities in Metro Manila, Laguna, and Batangas in the past.