2 ‘contract killers’ slain in shootout

CAMP VICENTE LIM, Laguna, Philippines — Two suspected contract killers were killed in an alleged shootout with police officers in Calauag, Quezon on Thursday afternoon.

One of the fatalities, identified as Kenneth Buñales, was allegedly the leader of a group of contract killers operating in Calabarzon.

The suspect has seven pending murder cases filed in different courts, according to Col. Romulo Albacea, Quezon police director.

Probers have yet to identify the other fatality.

Reports said that personnel of the Quezon police intelligence unit led by Lt. Col. Ruben Ballera conducted an operation at a gasoline station in Barangay Sta. Maria to supposedly buy a gun from the suspects.

The suspects, however, fled after sensing the presence of police officers, triggering a brief chase.

Ballera contacted police stations in the area, which set up checkpoints along the suspects’ escape routes.

Instead of surrendering, the suspects reportedly opened fire at the police upon reaching Barangay Sumilang, triggering a shootout that resulted in their deaths.

Police said the team recovered several firearms, which will be subjected to cross-matching examinations to determine if the guns were used in previous shooting incidents in Candelaria, Lucena, Sariaya and Tiaong.