CALAUAG, Quezon – Two suspected contract killers, including the alleged leader of a notorious group operating in the Calabarzon region, were killed in a shootout with police officers in Calauag, Quezon, on Thursday afternoon.
The slain suspect, identified as Kenneth Buñales, was reportedly the head of a contract killing syndicate and had seven pending murder cases filed against him in various courts, according to Quezon police director Col. Romulo Albacea. The identity of the second fatality remains unknown.
The incident occurred during a police operation conducted by the Quezon police intelligence unit at a gasoline station in Barangay Sta. Maria. According to reports, the officers were attempting to purchase a firearm from the suspects when the suspects became suspicious and fled, leading to a chase.
After being alerted, police stations in the area established checkpoints along the suspects’ possible escape routes. Upon reaching Barangay Sumilang, the suspects allegedly opened fire on the pursuing officers, resulting in a shootout that led to their deaths. Police recovered several firearms from the scene, which will undergo forensic testing to determine if they were used in previous shooting incidents in nearby cities and towns.
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