Three policemen were killed and four others were wounded in a gun battle with armed criminal group while serving warrants of arrest in Santa Margarita, Samar on Tuesday morning.
Based on the report from the Philippine National Police (PNP) Eastern Visayas office, 1st Samar Provincial Mobile Force Company (SPMFC) and Regional Mobile Force Battalion (RMFB) agents went to Mahayag village early in the day to serve warrant of arrests to the leader and members of the Ampoan criminal group.
The subject of the warrants of arrest are murder suspects Edito Ampoan, Jr., the gang leader; and gang members Jojo Altarejos and Rogelio Macorol.
The operating units got engaged in firefight against the said suspects.
Killed during the encounter were Staff Sgt. Christian Tallo and Corporal Eliazar Estrelles, Jr. of SPMFC; and M/Sgt. Paul Terence Paclibar of RFMB.
Meanwhile, the four cops who were hurt in the clash were Corporals Rannel Pedamato and Mark Jason Sixta, and Patrolmen Ham Kritnere Capalis and Mark Redoblado.
Seven suspects were arrested in the operation.
