'Contract killers behind Malabon gangland murders'

MANILA, Philippines – A group of contract killers are believed to be behind 14 gangland-style killings in Malabon City since the start of the year, and the group reportedly maintains a lair at a shantytown in Barangay Catmon, one of the city’s poorest areas, sources said yesterday.

Police insiders said these killers have been operating out of Sitio Gulayan for the past several years, but have never been arrested in past police raids because residents are “very uncooperative” with authorities.

Other sources said the group of “professional” killers operates not only in Malabon City but in other areas in northern Metro Manila “if the price is right.”

Malabon City police acting chief Superintendent Reynaldo Orante said yesterday they would investigate the report but claimed that his men are closing in on the suspects.

Results of ballistics tests indicate that two guns were used in 14 gangland-style killings in Malabon City for this year alone. Sources said these two guns are in the hands of these contract killers, who are also believed to have killed Police Officer 3 Lutgardo Niedo on Aug. 15, 2007 at Paradise Village in Barangay Tonsuya and PO3 Eddie Galamay on Aug. 7, 2009 also in Barangay Tonsuya.