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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Visayas devider Albuera gunman arrested in follow-up ops

Albuera gunman arrested in follow-up ops

Published Jun 16, 2026 08:51 pm
TACLOBAN CITY – Police have arrested one of the suspects in a shooting in Albuera town, Leyte province that left two people dead and two others injured, less than 24 hours after the crime.
In a statement released Tuesday, the Leyte Police Provincial Office (LPPO) said personnel of the Albuera Municipal Police Station, along with other police field units, conducted a joint operation that led to the arrest of the suspect identified as Totoy, 27, a resident of Barangay Antipolo, Albuera.
The suspect was apprehended at about 10 p.m. Monday, following a hot pursuit launched immediately after the shooting in Barangay Salvacion.
The attack occurred at about 7 a.m. on the same day along an uphill stretch of road in Barangay Salvacion. Police said the victims were aboard a car heading toward the town center when unidentified armed men opened fire on the vehicle.
Killed were Maria Noya Velos, 51, and Sherwin Villones Gumop-As, 23, both residents of Barangay Salvacion. Velos was identified as the common-law wife of Barangay Chairperson Walter Taripe.
Initial police investigation showed that the two victims sustained multiple bullet wounds, particularly in the head and neck, resulting in their immediate death.
Three other occupants of the vehicle – Daniel Gumop-As, 56; a 17-year-old; and John Carlo Israel Porneto, 18 – were wounded and transported to the Ormoc District Hospital in Ormoc City.
Authorities credited the quick arrest of the suspect to coordinated efforts by law enforcement and intelligence, tips from citizens, and support from Albuera's municipal government.
During the arrest, law enforcers seized a US-made M14 rifle, an R4 rifle, and ammunition from the suspect.
The investigation also identified another suspect, known as Berto, who remains at large. Police have intensified manhunt operations to locate and apprehend him.
The arrested suspect was informed of the nature of his arrest and apprised of his constitutional rights before being brought to the Albuera Municipal Police Station for documentation and proper disposition.
Appropriate criminal charges are being prepared against the suspect who was nabbed by the Regional Task Force Kamurayaw with the Albuera Municipal Police Station (MPS), Provincial Intelligence Unit (PIU), 1st Leyte Provincial Mobile Force Company (LPMFC), and the local government unit of Albuera.
Police Regional Office-8 Director Police Brig. Gen. Jason Capoy lauded apprehending units for their achievement.
“We will continue our hot pursuit efforts to arrest the remaining suspect and ensure that all those responsible are brought to justice,” he said.
LPPO officer-in-charge Police Col. Celerino Sacro Jr. lauded operating units for their prompt action and assured the public that efforts to capture the remaining suspect are ongoing.
“The swift identification and apprehension of one suspect demonstrate the effectiveness of our law enforcement efforts, intelligence-driven operations, and strong collaboration with the community. This accomplishment underscores our commitment to bringing all perpetrators to justice,” Sacro said. (With PNA)

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Albuera Leyte Shooting Deaths
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