TWO men were killed while 21 were arrested, four of them cops, as suspected members of a private armed group fought it out with police operatives in Antipolo City on Sunday.
Col. Joseph Arguelles, Rizal PNP provincial director, identified one of the fatalities who died on the spot due to gunshot wounds as Arnaldo C. Pangilinan. The other fatality has yet to be identified at press time.
Nabbed were SMS Ronald Antonio Abbariao and Staff Sergeants Henry Balmaceda, Jolit Custodio, and Rodolfo Rillorta, all assigned with the Police Security and Protection Group of the PNP; Eddie Amarillo; Jenelyn Vailoces; Narmalyn Jarmaani; Georgette Orlaza; Dyna Barreto; Gaelyn Amantillo; Marie Eugenio Amantillo; Rosalie Sayson; Divina Cajilo; Jimmy Pulo; Daniel Igoy; Rodelio Palivino; Angel Race; Jeric Roncales; Jessray Nacioy; Rodeo Barreto; and Marvin Jhon Bitoy.
Seized from the group were two shotguns and two 9mm handguns. It was not immediately clear what the arrested cops were doing in the area.
Investigation showed the local police received reports from officials of Hard Rock Aggregates in Sitio Igiban, Barangay Cupang of armed men numbering about 50 outside the place who were about to cause trouble.
Initial reports said the group was part of a squatting syndicate trying to occupy the land where Hard Rock Aggregates operates.
MSgt. Remegio Alea of the city’s Police Community Precinct 1, along with several barangay tanods, responded to the call but when they got to the area, they were reportedly met with gunfire.
Members of the PCP 1 led by Maj. Baby Amadeo Estrella responded. In the ensuing shootout, two of the shooters were killed and the 21 arrested. The rest managed to flee. — Christian Oineza