Alleged hitman killed in Navotas shootout

MANILA, Philippines - An alleged hitman for a drug gang was killed in a reported shootout with police officers in Navotas City yesterday morning.

Russel Datuon, 28, was stopped by police officers patrolling Gov. Pascual street after he was spotted driving a motorcycle without a license plate at past 3 a.m., Navotas police chief Senior Superintendent Conrado Gongon said.

Instead of yielding, Datuon reportedly drew his gun and shot at the police officers.

A .45 caliber pistol and several bullets were found at the scene. Investigators said the pistol matched the slugs and shells at several murders.

Datuon was said to be a hitman of the Navotas-based Lando drug group and had been in the Philippine National Police’s order of battle, Gongon said.