Bohol mayor’s slay: Suspect killed in shootout

MANILA, Philippines — A suspect in the killing of Mayor Ronald Lowell Tirol of Buenavista town in Bohol last month was killed in an alleged shootout with police officers who tried to arrest him yesterday.

Emigdio Aparece Jr., alias Mediong, reportedly fired at personnel of the Bohol Provincial Mobile Force Company and Special Weapons and Tactics serving warrants of arrest at his hideout in Sitio Santa Ana, Barangay Concepcion in Danao town at about 2:45 a.m.

Senior Superintendent Angeles Genorga, Bohol police director, assured the public that the rules of engagement were followed, adding that they are open to any investigation by the Commission on Human Rights.

Aparece, the alleged leader of a criminal gang operating in Bohol, was charged with murder along with Elmer Melencion, alias Eti, in connection with Tirol’s killing.

Tirol was shot at close range in a cockpit in Barangay Asinan at around 3:52 p.m. on May 27. He suffered two gunshot wounds in the head and was pronounced dead on arrival at the Dagohoy Hospital.