Man shot dead in police clash

CEBU, Philippines – One person was killed while his companion was arrested in a shooting incident in Barangay Tabunok, Talisay City yesterday morning.

Isagani Villanueva, resident of Sitio Mananga, Barangay Tabunok, died after suffering a gunshot wound in his body.

Investigation conducted by personnel of the Talisay City Police headed by Inspector Rico Emperwa revealed they received a call from a concerned citizen informing them of the presence of four armed men in Tabunok.

"Immediately, we proceeded to the area and saw four men, later identified as James Gemina, Allan Velos, Christian Caballero and Villanueva," Emperwa said.

According to Emperwa, they introduced themselves as police officers but Villanueva instead fired his .38 revolver at them prompting them to fire back, hitting the suspect right rib cage.

Villanueva was brought to Talisay City District Hospital but the attending physician declared him dead on arrival.

Emperwa said the shootout did not last long as other suspects scampered away seeing Villanueva slumped on the ground bathed in his own blood.

Three live ammunitions and two empty shells were recovered at the crime scene.

Gemina was apprehended by the police. Police confiscated from his possession a .22 magnum loaded with two live ammunitions.

Emperwa said Villanueva has many pending cases of robbery and theft.

"He is a notorious robber victimizing passengers of jeepneys," Emperwa said.