Rob suspect slain in Laguna ‘shootout’

LAGUNA , Philippines — A man wanted for robbery was killed in an alleged shootout during a police operation against loose firearms in Cabuyao City in this province on Tuesday.

The fatality, identified as Paul Hatulan, 48, died while being rushed to a hospital, according to Lt. Col. Ganaban Ali, chief of the police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG)-Calabarzon.

Ali said Hatulan had a pending arrest warrant for robbery issued in January 2024 by Judge Louis Acosta of the Regional Trial Court Branch 36 in Calamba City.

Police said they recovered from the suspect a pistol,  ammunition and marked money.

Meanwhile, the Philippine National Police (PNP) denied claims by a witness that the suspect was killed without provocation.

PNP spokesman Brig. Gen. Randulf Tuaño said the operation was legitimate, targeting a man accused of violating Republic 10591 or the Comprehensive Law on Firearms and Ammunition.

A police undercover agent reportedly sustained injuries after the suspect fought back.

The witness said he saw a man standing outside a house in Barangay Gulod. The witness said a black car pulled over followed by a white car.

The witness said the man ran away, but someone shot him.

Hatulan’s family is asking for a thorough investigation after they received information that video footage of a closed-circuit television camera installed at the scene of the incident was deleted.