The suspected leader of a criminal group was killed in an encounter in Santo Tomas, Isabela on Thursday, April 16.
Police identified the fatality as Nicolas Domingo Magsanoc.
The Police Regional Office-2 said farmer Michael Melad was shot and wounded by the suspect in Purok 6, Barangay Calinaoan Sur, Delfin Albano, Isabela.
The suspect fled on a motorcycle and police caught up with him and two companions in Barangay Barunbun.
A gunbattle erupted where Magsanoc, tagged as the leader of the dismantled Magsanoc Criminal Group and in the drugs watchlist, was killed.
His companions, one of who was a high-value individual in the illegal drugs trade, were arrested.
Follow-up investigation is ongoing. The arrested suspects face appropriate cases.
PRO-2 chief Police Brig. Gen. Antonio Marallag Jr. cited operating units for their achievement.