Five alleged members of an armed robbery group were killed while two others remain at large following a series of encounters with police in Bacoor City, Cavite, on Tuesday, November 3.
According to the Police Regional Office 4A, the incidents occurred between 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. in Barangays Molino 3 and Molino 4.
Authorities said the operation stemmed from intelligence reports that the group was planning to rob a gold owner and another wealthy individual in the Town and Country subdivision.
Police officers attempted to flag down the suspects, who were reportedly traveling aboard a car and a motorcycle, but the occupants allegedly opened fire, triggering a chase.
The pursuit reached the Molino Flyover, where the suspects' vehicle crashed and overturned. Two suspects were killed in the encounter.
Two other suspects later attempted to escape by hijacking a Honda Click motorcycle at gunpoint. They were eventually intercepted by police near Cerritos Heights, where another exchange of gunfire took place.
Authorities identified the group as the alleged Gapos Gang, which is being investigated for possible involvement in robbery and other criminal activities.
Bacoor City Police Chief Police Lieutenant Colonel Alexie Desamito said the suspects immediately fired at police officers when they attempted to stop them.
Police recovered five firearms from the incident, while two other suspects managed to escape and remain at large.
Desamito also said investigators were still verifying the identities of the fatalities. One of the suspects was reportedly linked to a jewelry shop robbery, while another was suspected to be an absent-without-leave (AWOL) police sergeant.
No police personnel were reported injured or killed in the encounters, although a police vehicle sustained bullet damage.
Authorities are continuing their investigation into the incident and the alleged criminal activities of the group.
