2 slain in Pampanga ‘encounter’

MANILA, Philippines — Two suspected contract killers were killed in an alleged encounter with police officers in Bacolor, Pampanga yesterday morning.

Harry Mandahay and Jeffrey Diamanda reportedly refused to surrender and drew their guns when a joint team of the Highway Patrol Group (HPG) and Bacolor police cornered them along the River Control Road in Barangay Cabetican.

Police said Mandahay was the leader of the Mandahay gun-for-hire group and Diamanda was his driver.

“Mandahay and Diamanda opened fire at the operatives while attempting to escape, forcing our officers to retaliate,” HPG chief Brig. Gen. Alexander Tagum said.

Probers recovered from the scene of the encounter a pistol, two revolvers, ammunition, bullet shells, four plastic sachets containing suspected shabu, phones, identification cards and a brown Toyota Altis.