DAVAO CITY, Philippines — Two policemen were hacked to death and three others were wounded in a shooting in Barangay Lacson, Calinan District in this city on Wednesday night.
Cpl. Mark Anthony Corsino and Senior Master/Sgt. Tito Lague died at the scene.
Cpls. Ken Leo Gumanoy and Donald Ombrete were wounded and remained in critical condition in a hospital.
One of the suspects, Benao Landad, 29, of the Matigsalog tribe was killed while his companion, Rico Macacay, was arrested.
“The suspects, who are tribal members and identified themselves as Pulahan and alleged agimat-wielders, attacked our troops... Our troops ran out of bullets. That’s why the suspects were able to get to them,” Calinan police station commander Maj. Ricky Obenza said.
The incident was initially thought to be a pangayaw or rift among members of the indigenous people’s community.
The suspects reportedly attacked and harassed other members of the tribe, including a pregnant woman, prompting villagers to seek police assistance. – Diana Lhyd Suelto, Mark Ernest Villeza