3 rob suspects slain in ‘shootout’

CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga, Philippines  – Three robbery suspects, including a police officer, were killed in an alleged encounter in Sto. Tomas, Pampanga on Tuesday.

The fatalities were identified as Edgardo Caliuag, Segundino Ellazo and S/Sgt. Wilson Regala, who is assigned at Camp Crame’s communication and electronics services.

The suspects reportedly robbed a resident at gunpoint in Barangay Ponduan in San Fernando City, according to Col. Eric Noble, deputy director for operations of the regional police.

Responding police officers pursued the suspects, who were in a black vehicle,  and cornered them in Barangay Moras in Sto. Tomas.  

Noble said the suspects shot at the lawmen, triggering a firefight that resulted in their death. 

Probers said they recovered a pistol, ammunition and a gold watch from Caliuag; a black watch and driver’s license from Elazo, and another pistol, assorted cards and a PSSLAI  (Public Safety Savings and Loan Association Inc.)  identification card from Regala.