Police have arrested three people who were tagged as responsible in the ambush that led to the death of two anti-illegal drug operatives in Mabalacat City, Pampanga.
Gen. Rodolfo Azurin, Jr., chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), said the three suspects were collared in a follow-up operation along South Daang Bakal Road in Barangay Dau at around 3:30 a.m. on Sunday, Dec. 4, or after the ambush they allegedly perpetrated.
They were identified as Jun Jun Baluyut, 44; Aries Bagsic, 40; and Leslie Placente, 30.
The three were tagged in the ambush-slay of Police Senior Master Sergeant Sofronio Capitle Jr and Police Staff Sergeant Dominador Gacusan in Mabalacat City early morning on Saturday, Dec. 3.
The two cops were riding a motorcycle from an anti-illegal drugs operation in Mabalacat City when gunmen started shooting them in Barangay Dau. The two cops died on the spot.
"Based on witnesses' account, the suspects alighted from their motorcycles and shot the victims at point blank range on their head that resulted in their immediate death," said Azurin.
In another follow-up operation in Mabalacat City, a motorcycle-riding man was killed after he allegedly engaged policemen in a shootout. It was not immediately clear if the slain suspect was connected to those responsible in the ambush of the two policemen.
Police are still conducting investigation and hot pursuit operation for possible apprehension of the other remaining suspects, according to Azurin.
Azurin also extended condolences to the family of the two slain policemen.
"We expressed our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families of Police Senior Master Sergeant Capitle and Police Staff Sergeant Gacusan. The entire PNP family grieves with their family and loved ones for losing a great son, a friend, and a public servant," said Azurin.
"Rest assured that PNP will provide all due assistance to our demised members," he added,