Police kill 13 in shootout

It was the third incident of violence within just a week when police killed 13 members of a criminal gang in a shootout on Sunday, January 6. Gunmen in two vehicles tried to ram through a police checkpoint near the town of Atimonan in Quezon province. They were believed to be on their way to Manila to “make a major hit.” A “very reliable informer,” according to provincial police chief Senior Supt Val de Leon, tipped them off. This prompted the police to put up a road block with the assistance of the military. As soon as the police flagged down the first vehicle, the gunmen started shooting, wounding one senior police officer. 10 firearms were recovered from the gang members, including an M16 assault rifle. Days before, a drug-crazed man went on a shooting rampage, killing 7, including the gunman himself. On New Year’s eve, stray bullets killed two children. The incidents have prompted calls for stricter controls on gun ownership.


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