Barangay chief, four others dead in Pampanga shootout

By Ric Sapnu

CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga -- A barangay chairman and four others were killed in an alleged encounter with policemen in Arayat town in Pampanga Tuesday.

Melvin Guevarra, chairman of Barangay Cupang and stepson of Arayat Mayor Bon Alejandrino; Aldrin Luriz, Fermin Bato and Jack Pineda were declared dead on arrival at the Lacquios District Hospital.

Police Officer 3 Raffy Tacdian of the Special Weapons and Action Team was wounded and taken to a hospital for treatment. 

Chief Supt. Aaron Aquino, Central Luzon police director, said police operatives were serving a search warrant issued by Gapan Regional Trial Court Judge Celso Baguio against Guevarra for illegal possession of firearms at around 2 a.m. when they were fired at.  

Aquino said two Armalite rifles, two caliber .45 pistols, a caliber .38 revolver and ammunition were recovered from the fatalities.

He said the fatalities were also involved in illegal drugs and contract killings, among other illegal activities.