Three armed men and a policeman died following a brief gun battle in Calatagan town of Batangas on Saturday night, March 12.

Police Col. Glycerin Cansilao, director of the Batangas Provincial Police, said the firefight erupted when the local police responded to a report that suspicious-looking men were seen roaming around the Calatagan cockfighting arena.

When the cops arrived in the area, they were reportedly met with gunfire coming from the gunmen. This resulted in the gun battle.

The slain suspects were identified as Joel Robles Herjas, Rolly Herjas, and Gabriel Robles Bahia, all residents of Brgy. Biga Calatagan. Batangas.

The gunfight also resulted in the death of Patrolman Gregorio S. Panganiban Jr, one of the responding officers, who was shot on his chest during the encounter. He died at the Metro Balayan Medical Center.

Cansilao said two civilians were also wounded, identified as Joselito Carlum and Mayumi Dunaway. They were immediately taken to the hospital and are now in stable condition.

Police Brig. Gen. Antonio Yarra, director of the Police Regional Office 4A, expressed his condolences to the family of Panganiban.

"Patrolman Panganiban heroically performed his duties to suppress the suspects from pursuing their criminal act, unfortunately, it cost him his life," said Yarra.

"The bravery of our responding police officers are worthy of emulation especially Patrolman Panganiban who offered a supreme sacrifice for the sake of the service. My deepest sympathy and sincerest condolences to the bereaved family," he added.