2 hurt in Cavite shootout

MANILA, Philippines - An agent of the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) and a suspected member of a private army suffered serious injuries in a shootout during a raid in Trece Martirez City, Cavite before dawn yesterday.

PO2 Ivan Mark Cuartero of SWAT Regional Police Safety Battalion-4A and Dennis Asuncio remain confined at the General Emilio Aguinaldo Memorial Hospital and MV Santiago Medical Center, respectively.

Chief Superintendent Generoso Cerbo Jr., spokesman for the Philippine National Police, said the shootout occurred at around 3:30 a.m. as policemen were about to serve a search warrant against six suspected private army members. 

Cerbo said a search warrant was issued by Judge Lerio Castigador of Cavite Regional Trial Court Branch 15 against Caudilla Eguillos of La Trinidad Subdivision in Barangay Cabuco in Trece Martirez City.

The five other suspects were identified as Eguillos, Euric Julabot,  Jem Bennison Baldao, Allan Limbo, and Jojo Sibna.

Three .45 caliber pistols, four 9mm and a shotgun, all loaded with ammunitions, were seized from the suspects.