Gang member killed in shootout with cops in Abra

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet  --  An alleged gun-for-hire who was reportedly a member of the dreaded Vincent Guzman “private armed group” was killed by policemen in a shoot-out in remote Pang-ot and Collago, both in Lagayan town in Abra.

Ludring Silbaw was killed when policemen fought at least 12 fully armed members of the group armed with M16 rifles and M203 grenade launchers Tuesday, said Abra police director Sr. Supt. Benjamin Lusad.

Lusad said Abra policemen are still running after the group in their hideouts earlier identified by authorities.

The other day, a barangay tanod was killed in Lagayan town, prompting policemen to be on their toes against the escalation of hostilities there.

Meanwhile, a 22- year old member of the New People’s Army under the Nona Del Rosario Command operating in Ifugao surrendered to Asipulo town policemen Monday morning.

Ifugao police director Senior Superintendent Angelito Casimiro, said Gabino Bantulay Mammay alias Ka Denver, a resident of Sitio Lagan, Cawayan, Asipulo surrendered to them because of the difficulties he was encountering within the rebel movement.

Philippine Army troopers from the 54th Infantry Battalion brought Gabino to the Ifugao police headquarters.