4-YEAR-OLD CHILD KILLED, 2 COPS, FEMALE BYSTANDER HURT IN LAGUNA SHOOTOUT

CAMP BRIG. GEN. VICENTE LIM, Calamba, Laguna –A service of a warrant of arrest on Wednesday turned into an encounter leaving a child dead and three others, including two police officers, wounded in Calamba City, Laguna.

A report submitted to Police Regional Office 4A (Calabarzon) Regional Director Brig. Gen. Paul Kenneth Lucas said the fatality was a 4-year-old child while the wounded were Police Chief Master Sergeant Alberto Plaza and Police Staff Sergeant John Principe and a 52-year-old woman.

The encounter occurred at Purok 5A in Bgy. San Cristobal, Calamba City, Laguna.

Personnel from the Warrant Section of the Calamba City Police Station were about to serve a warrant of arrest against alias “Regie,” a provincial most wanted person, for the crime of homicide.

The arrest warrant was issued by Hon. Hector De Asis Buenaluz Jr., Presiding Judge of the Regional Trial Court  Branch 103, Calamba City, Laguna.

Prior to the shootout, the arresting team  was  approaching the accused’s house when an unidentified armed man believed to be a cohort of the  suspect  suddenly appeared and opened fire at the operatives,  prompting policemen to retaliate.

A brief exchange of gunfire ensued resulting in the death of the child, who was hit by a stray bullet, and the wounding of the two cops and a woman.

Officers pinned down the gunman.

The gunman’s cohorts who managed to escape during the exchange of fire are being hunted.

Lucas commended the bravery of the operating personnel while expressing his condolences to the family of the civilian casualty and his concern for the injured police officers.

“We deeply regret the loss of an innocent life in this tragic incident. Our police officers displayed exceptional courage in the face of danger while lawfully carrying out their duties,” Lucas said.

“We will extend full medical and welfare assistance to the injured officers and a civilian to ensure that justice is served for the victims of this unfortunate incident,” he added.

Lucas further directed the conduct of a thorough investigation to prevent similar incidents in future operations.