3 cops killed, 4 wounded in shootout with criminals

CEBU, Philippines — Three police officers were killed in action while four others were wounded after a group of criminals shoot it out with them Tuesday morning, January 30, 2024, in Barangay Mahayag, Sta. Margarita, Samar.

The fatalities were out to serve a warrant of arrest against Edito Ampoan, Jojo Altarejos, and Rogelio Macurol, all members of the Ampoan criminal group, when they were met by a hail of gunfire at 5 a.m. yesterday.

The shootout allegedly lasted until noontime before the suspects escaped. The fierce gun battle has prompted Police Regional Office-8 to provide air support to their operatives on the ground.

In spite the reinforcement the suspects and their cohorts were able to elude arrest.

As of press time, the PRO-8 officials have yet to release the identity of those who were killed during the shootout as well as those wounded. Authorities, however, said that those who were killed hold the ranks of a master sergeant, a sergeant, and a patrolman. Those wounded include two corporals and two patrolmen.

PRO-8 immediately placed the Sta. Margarita Police Station under red alert status following the incident and ordered a manhunt operation against the suspects.

Civilians were also evacuated from the barangay while police operations are being done. — (FREEMAN)