By Mar Gabriel
Eagle News Service
Five suspected kidnappers and a member of the police force were killed during a shootout in Laguna on Tuesday, April 10.
The policewoman who was killed in the shootout in Barangay Maharlika around 6 a.m. was identified as PO1 Zarah Jane Andal, while four of the killed suspects were identified as Adalia, Fernandez, Dizon and Rebadulla, based on the police uniforms they wore.
The authorities have yet to determine the identity of the other fatality.
Based on initial investigation, the shootout ensued after one of the suspects shot at policemen during the P700,000 ransom pay-off for kidnap victim Ronaldo Arguelles’ release.
Arguelles was reportedly a high-value target who was included in the drug watchlist of the Quezon Police Provincial Office, and the Philippine National Police Region 4A.
According to the police, Arguelles, who was facing drug-related cases, was abducted from Quezon days before.
“Upon verification..(ang mga suspek ay) hindi mga pulis na nagsusuot ng police uniform and present(ed themselves) as (Philippine Drug Enforcement Agents) nung niransak ang bahay (ng biktima),” PNP Chief Ronald dela Rosa said.
Arguelles, who was injured along with three of Anda’s colleagues, is now undergoing treatment in the hospital.
Because of the incident, the PNP has ordered a review of the sale of police uniforms in the market.
