PNP: Suspect in shootout owns gun store

The suspect engaged in a shootout with the two members of the Regional Highway Patrol Unit (RHPU-10) on Thursday, leaving a police officer killed and wounding another was a gun store owner in Marawi City, according to the police.

Inspector Tawide Galleon, police station 4 deputy chief, said the suspect Abdulrahim Adilao was hit on the armpit during the armed encounter along Mastersons Avenue, Upper Carmen, and died around 8:00 p.m. at the government-run hospital here.

Adilao was a native of Mabalacat, Pampanga but presently residing at Bellevue Subdivision, Pueblo de Oro, Upper Carmen, this city.

Galleon also said there were reports that his son was a politician in Lanao del Sur.

“Wala pa nato na confirm kung naa ba siya sa narco-list,”Galleon said.

One of the victims, SPO1 Sergs de Constantine Macerin died hours

after fighting for his life. He sustained a fatal gunshot wound to his chest.

On the other hand, his colleague SPO2 Lyndie Baltazar is recuperating from a gunshot wound on the shoulder.

Investigation said the two policemen flagged down the suspects’ vehicle after noticing a suspicious license plate when the suspect suddenly went out from the driver’s seat and fired his gun.

Authorities said there were two other men from the suspects’ vehicle who participated in the brief exchange of fire but were able to escape.

But, the suspect’s commonlaw wife identified as Joan Gomez,30, who disembarked from the car before the encounter was arrested and is now under police custody.

“Plano gyud tingali nila kay gipakanaog man nila daan ang babaye ayha sila namusil,” Galleon said.

Police recovered an M16 rifle; 20 9mm fired cartridges; assorted ammunition and magazines; and documents of the vehicle which was registered to a certain Jose Tolentino of Homes City, Paranaque City.

Galleon said suspects will face murder and frustrated murder charges.

The arrested suspect was brought to the City Prosecutors Office yesterday for the inquest proceedings.

‘Gi-deny sad sa ka live-in nga ila tong armas,” Galleon said.

Galleon said there were eyewitnesses in the area and they are also looking for other evidences including footage of security cameras.