Village chief slain in Lanao ‘shootout’

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — A barangay chairman was killed in an alleged shootout that broke out during a police operation against illegal sale of firearms in Balabagan, Lanao del Sur on Saturday.

Billy Jack Ogca, chairman of Barangay Upper Tiil, was declared dead on arrival in a nearby hospital. He was allegedly one of six men who tried to sell firearms to undercover agents of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, according to Lt. Col. Ariel Huesca, chief of CIDG-Bangsamoro region.

Huesca said the suspects allegedly drew their guns after sensing they were dealing with police officers.

The operatives recovered from the scene of the encounter four rifles, two pistols, ammunition, pick-up truck and P500,000 marked money.