NBI agent killed in gun duel

IMUS, Cavite — An agent of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) was killed here Sunday night in a gun duel with a neighbor, police reported yesterday.

Senior Inspector Eduardo Untalan, Imus police chief, identified the fatality as Lyndon Losantas, 33, an agent assigned at the Cavite NBI district office and resident of Pagasa, Anabu 1-C, this town.

Untalan said Losantas succumbed to a gunshot wound on his neck and was declared dead on arrival at the University Medical Center in Dasmariñas.

Witnesses told police the victim had an altercation with neighbor Charlie Lares over the latter’s sharp stare on him when the two bumped each other along Anabu I-C street at about 11:30 Sunday night.

While the two were arguing, Lares’ companion identified as Rudyvick Espiritu, also a neighbor, ran towards his house and returned with a handgun, witnesses said.

"What’s the problem," Espiritu, with a drawn caliber .45 pistol, was quoted by a witness as saying, moments before challenging Losantas to a gun duel.

Losantas was able to draw his .45 caliber pistol but failed to fire a shot as Espiritu was quicker in firing his gun.

Espiritu fled after the incident and is now the subject of a police manhunt. — Rene Alviar