‘Gun-for-hire’ killed in shootout in Argao

CEBU, Philippines — An alleged known member of a gun-for-hire died after reportedly engaging in a shootout with a team of responding policemen at 12:15 p.m. in Barangay Jampang, Argao, Cebu on Tuesday, May 27.

The operation was launched by the Argao Police Station in response to a report by a concerned citizen about an alleged illegal discharge of firearm in the area.

When responding officers arrived at the scene, the suspect reportedly opened fire, prompting the police to return fire that led to the suspect’s death.

Initial investigation revealed that the suspect (name withheld as per police protocol) was an active member of the Comaling Gun-for-Hire Group, a criminal syndicate reportedly  established in 2022. The group reportedly engaged in drug trafficking, gun-running, and contract killings.

The group’s leader was arrested in December 2024 and is currently detained at the Cebu City Jail.

Recovered at the crime scene are one unit 9mm pistol without a serial number, one magazine, four live cartridges, four fired cartridges, several  unlicensed firearms, tools and equipment used for firearm manufacturing.

All items and the remains of the suspect were brought to the police station for proper disposition. The Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) immediately processed the crime scene.

Police Regional Office (PRO) - 7 Director Redrico A. Maranan issued a message to the remaining members of such groups.

“The presence of gun-for-hire groups continues to endanger innocent lives, and we will not allow this threat to persist. The doors of justice are open for those who choose to reform—but for those who continue to defy the law, we will respond decisively to protect our people and preserve peace in the region,” said Maranan, in a

statement.

Police are conducting follow-up investigation in an effort to identify the other members of the group and to uncover more links to criminal activities.

Meanwhile, a rank number five wanted person in Central Visayas and other high-value targets were arrested last Tuesday, May 27, in the PRO -7's intensified campaign against criminalities.

The alleged regional-level fugitive was apprehended in Sitio Cambuntan, Barangay Bolinawan, Carcar City, Cebu, based on a warrant for six counts of statutory rape.  The arrest warrant, issued by the Family Court, 7th Judicial Region, Talisay City, carried no bail.

On the same day, police also arrested Cebu Province’s top 10 most wanted person for a drug-related crime. The warrant of arrest was issued by a Regional Trial Court in Mandaue City.

In a separate operation in Barangay La Esperanza, Dagohoy, Bohol, joint forces from Dagohoy and Sogod municipal police stations and the Bohol Police Provincial Office (BPPO) served arrest warrants to two male suspects facing murder charges, an unbailable offense.

The warrants were issued by Regional Trial Court Branch 101 in Talibon, Bohol.

“(The) PRO7 will not allow the communities of Central Visayas to be playgrounds for criminal syndicates. Every operation we launch is backed by solid intelligence and carried out with precision. There will be no safe haven, no blind spot, and no compromise," Maranan said in commending the operatives.

The regional police office reiterated its appeal to the public to report the whereabouts of wanted individuals and to support law enforcement's effort in the fight against all forms of crime. JG (CEBU NEWS)