Four individuals, including a forest ranger who previously headed the Ka Arlet Group (Pintados Group), were arrested after an armed encounter in Pampanga, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said Sunday.
According to the PNP, the four were arrested after the Pampanga Provincial Investigation Unit, Provincial Mobile Forces Company, and Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team received reports of a series of gunshots heard around Barangay San Juan Baño in Arayat on Saturday evening.
Before their arrest, one of the suspects opened fire at the approaching police officers, followed by bursts of gunfire from the other suspects.
‘Fortunately, no policemen were injured, and the incident triggered an exchange of gunfire that later led to the wounding of four people involved. They were taken to the hospital for treatment,’ the PNP said.
Police confiscated a .45 pistol, an M16 rifle, a 12-gauge shotgun, a .38 revolver, a carbine, and a hand grenade during the operation.
Investigation revealed that one of the injured suspects, who works as a forest ranger, used to head the Ka Arlet Group (Pintados Group), which reportedly operated in the provinces of Pampanga and Bulacan and was previously affiliated with the Rebolusyonaryong Hukbong Bayan.
Court records also showed that the same former rebel was previously charged with murder, but the case was dismissed.
Background checks are still being conducted on the other three injured suspects, including their possible involvement in criminal activities.
‘You can’t be a tough guy acting with impunity anymore. Your [PNP] will make sure that the rule of law always prevails in the interest of peace and order, and the peace of mind of all our kababayan,’ PNP Chief Jose Melencio Nartatez said.