4 robbery suspects, cop slain in shootout

MANILA, Philippines - Four suspected robbers and a policeman were killed in a brief firefight in San Pablo City, Laguna Saturday afternoon.

Chief Superintendent Perfecto Palad, Calabarzon police director, said the lone police casualty, PO2 Ricuerdo Molledo, and his companions were responding to a report on the presence of armed men at Israel Village in Barangay San Antonio when they were fired upon.

Palad said Molleda’s companions returned fire, killing the four suspects identified as Efren Banaag, Melchor Banaag, Nolito Banaag, and Mario Mendoza.

Molleda sustained a gunshot wound in the head. The four suspects, who had multiple gunshot wounds, died while being rushed to the San Pablo City Medical Center.

At least 10 hours later, another suspect, Baltazar Banaag, surrendered to the San Pablo City police. He was able to escape during the firefight. – With Ed Amoroso and Arnell Ozaeta