Fugitive killed in shootout with cops

CEBU, Philippines — A man wanted for frustrated murder was killed after shooting it out with the police operatives in Barangay Mandilikit, Argao town yesterday morning.

Argao Police Station chief Jose Rovic Villarin identified the suspect as Dennis Artiaga, 30, resident of the said barangay. Operatives from the Regional Mobile Force Battalion-7 were out to arrest Artiaga based on the warrant issued by Regional Trial Court Branch 26 Judge Maximo Perez when the suspect allegedly pulled out a caliber .38 revolver and fired at the lawmen.

Villarin said the operatives were forced to return fire hitting the suspect resulting in his death. The suspect succumbed to multiple gunshot wounds.

RMFB-7 Commander Supt.  Hector Grijaldo said the suspect fired at them more than once. He explained that they served the warrant of arrest against Artiaga since he was hiding in the hinterland barangay, which was also the area of their operations for prophylactic patrolling.

“Since magsige man mi saka og bukid, kay for our patrolling, we received the warrant and also information coming from the locals, nga kini diay nga suspect naa ra diha tungora,” Grijaldo said.

He said they were able to locate the suspect through the help of the community. (FREEMAN)