Man runs amuck, kills 3 Barangay watchmen; is shot dead

MANILA, Philippines — Three barangay watchmen were killed, while two others were wounded when a 68-year-old former overseas Filipino worker ran amuck in Cainta, Rizal on Saturday afternoon.

The fatalities were identified as Roberto Donor, 51; Romeo Cortez, 55, and Ronnie Gonzales, 58, all watchmen of Barangay San Juan.

The suspect, identified as James Jazmines, was killed by responding police officers during an ensuing shootout, according to Col. Rainerio de Chavez, Rizal police director.

De Chavez said that Jazmines, who was armed with a rifle, reportedly shot the victims in a subdivision located at the boundary of Taytay and Cainta.

Prior to the shooting, village resident William Celestino filed a complaint of physical assault against Jazmines in the barangay hall.

The watchmen accompanied the complainant back to the subdivision, where they were met and escorted by security guard Bernard Sales.

As the victims were passing by Jazmines’ house, the suspect reportedly shot at them.

The watchmen died from multiple gunshots to the body, while Sales was rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment.

Special weapons and tactics teams from the Cainta and Taytay police responded and pursued Jazmines.

The officers caught up with Jasmines, who allegedly refused to surrender and drew his firearm, triggering a firefight that resulted in his death and wounding of Cpl. Glen Elzer Isagon.