Escapee gunned down

CEBU, Philippines - An escapee and suspected gun-for-hire was shot dead when he reportedly fought with policemen who tried to re-arrest him in Barangay Jaclopan, Talisay City on Monday night.

Police identified the suspect as Rolando Barlejo, a wanted suspect for rape who bolted from jail two years ago.

Chief Insp. Romeo Santander, chief of City Intelligence Branch of the Cebu City Police Office, said the operation stemmed from a tip they received about Barlejo, who, armed with a gun, would get out of his house at night and briefly stays at an area where his charcoal-making business is located.

After confirming the report, operatives of CIB together with the Talisay City Police, proceeded to Jaclopan and found Barlejo attending to his business at past 8 pm.

Santander said the police introduced themselves as law enforcers, to which Barlejo recognized by raising both of his hands.

The suspect tried to fight PO3 David Najara who eventually suffered bruises on his face prompting the rest of the police to immediately help and neutralized Barlejo by shooting him in his leg.

The suspect reportedly pulled out his gun, a caliber. 45 pistol, and tried to shoot it out with the police, said Santander.

This prompted the police to fire another shot at Barlejo and hit his chest which killed the suspect.

Santander said they intended to bring Barlejo alive, but the latter tried to fight them, which prompted them to shoot.

The CIB chief said Barlejo was a suspected gun-for-hire and a rape suspect who bolted from Minglanilla prison cell two years ago. — (FREEMAN)