Gang members, Del Monte worker killed

DAVAO CITY , Philippines  – At least two suspected criminal gang members and a farm worker of the Del Monte Philippines, Inc. were killed during an encounter with law enforcers in the town of Baungon, Bukidnon at around 7 a.m. yesterday morning.

According to the Philippine National Police Northern Mindanao regional office, joint elements of the regional police mobile group, the Baungon municipal police station and a number of militiamen were on patrol when they encountered a group of about 16 armed men at Purok 1, Barangay San Vicente in the said town.

The armed men were believed to be members of the Lundahan criminal gang operating mainly in Northern Mindanao, particularly in Bukidnon.

The encounter resulted to the killing of two gang members identified as Bebot Binatao and Boyet Gamayo.

Authorities recovered from the encounter scene a homemade shotgun with magazine and ammunition, several pieces of military camouflage uniform, a bolo and some foodstuff.

Police said that while the armed men were retreating, they also shot and killed one Jose Cantero, a civilian worker of the Agrinanas department of DMPI.

Hot pursuit operation by joint police and military troops was immediately launched against the remaining armed men who fled from Baungon.   – Edith Regalado