The shootout occurred when police conducted hot pursuit operation in barangay Guiwanon, Alegria town against a group of thieves who took car spare parts.
A certain "Jun-jun" tried to evade arrest but SPO1 Felixberto Piedra of Ginatilan police ran after him, prompting "Jun-jun" to draw his .38 cal. revolver.
But seeing the suspect with a gun, Piedra quickly opened fire and hit the shoulder of the suspect who then fell to the ground. The suspect was brought to Mariano Jose Cuenco Memorial District Hospital in Malabuyoc where he later died.
Those arrested were Matt Baguio, 39, of Cordova; Joel Yaga, 21, of barangay Saac, Lapu-Lapu City; Albert Cataluna, 23, of Daanbantayan; and Albert Alleser, 23, of Lapu-Lapu City.
Police confiscated several stolen spare parts such as engine starters and tires of multicabs and other vehicles.
Reports reaching Cebu Provincial Police Office disclosed that at least 14 persons have claimed ownership to the stolen items now under the custody of Ginatilan police.
Charges have already been filed against the suspects. - Gregg M. Rubio