Guns-for-hire slain after liquidation job

KIDAPAWAN CITY – Justice caught up swiftly with two suspected gun-forhire killers, who were slain in a shootout with local police, just moments after they executed a 16-year-old tricycle driver at dawn here Friday.

Kidapawan City police director Supt. Ramel Hojilla identified the slain gunmen as AljiverGerosaga and John HermieEstopacia, both residents of Barangay Saguing, Makilala.

The gunmen’s target identified as NoaCapulong, 16, was also killed, the police official said.

Citing a report by a police investigation unit, Hojilla said Capulong was shot in the head and chest while onboard his passenger tricycle that was parked in front of a barbecue stall along Quezon Boulevard, here.

Initial investigation showed that Gerosaga and Estopacia were gunsfor-hire, who belong to a syndicate operating in North Cotabato, while Capulong has long been wanted for series of robberies, hold-ups, and other crimes in the city and in nearby towns in North Cotabato.

Hojilla identified Gerosaga as the triggerman.

He said that after Gerosaga shot Capulong, the gunman walked towards a motorcycle driven by Estopacia, which was also parked near the victim’s tricycle.

But even before they could make good their escape, two policemen in civilian clothes responding to the sound of gunfire announced their presence and asked the suspects to yield.

However, Hojilla said Gerosaga drew his gun and fired at the policemen, who were prompted to return fire.