Man dead in police shootout in Argao

CEBU, Philippines — A man was killed while two others escaped during a shootout with police officers early yesterday morning, August 20, in Barangay Jampang, Argao, Cebu City.

The victim was identified as Jay Rodel Delos Reyes Comaling, while his cohorts were Jonathan Comaling and Joel Comaling, residents of the barangay.

According to the Argao Police Station, at approximately 5 a.m., operatives executed a warrant of arrest for Jonathan for violating Republic Act 10591, also known as the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act. The warrant was issued by Judge Francis Rainier R. Navarrete of the Regional Trial Court Branch 63.

Upon the arrival of the operatives, Jonathan and his cohorts noticed them, leading to a shooting encounter. The Comalings immediately escaped using a motorcycle, and the operating team chased the suspects.

The police officers returned fire at the suspects, resulting in Jay being wounded. He was transported to Isidro C. Kintanar Memorial Hospital (ICKMH) in Brgy. Bogo, Argao, where he was declared dead on arrival by attending physician James Ebardo.

Meanwhile, a call from the Argao Communication Center informed the Argao Police Station that an unexploded hand grenade was found at the encounter site, believed to have been thrown by the suspects. The area was promptly cordoned off, and the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Team was called in to recover the grenade.

According to Police Major Janus Giangan, Chief of the Argao Police Station, the warrant of arrest was issued solely for Jonathan, who is also linked to a murder case. Meanwhile, Jay, who was reportedly involved in the shooting, was allegedly known as a robber and a hitman with a history of gun violence in Barangay Jampang. The three Comalings were also allegedly linked to illegal drugs. — (FREEMAN)