THREE suspected members of a kidnap-for-ransom group led by a former police officer were killed in a gunfight with the police in Cavite early Wednesday morning, August 21.

Cavite Police Provincial Office Director William Segun said operatives from the Philippine National Police (PNP)- Anti-Kidnapping Group (AKG) together with the local police swooped down on the group’s safehouse in Barangay Kayquit, Indang Cavite around 3 a.m. to serve a search warrant against former police officer 3 Magdaleno Pacia.

Police said men inside the house fired at the raiding team, prompting the latter to fire back.

Among those killed in the said operation were Vence Venice alias Pigsa, the alleged right hand of Pacia.

Two other fatalities have yet to be identified. Pacia was not in the house during the raid.

Police said they recovered several firearms of various caliber and the group’s vehicle that was allegedly used for their illegal activities.

Sagun said Pacia was formerly assigned to the Southern Police District.

He had gone absent without leave in 2016, allegedly to form the group.

The group operates in Metro Manila particularly in Pasay City, victimizing mostly Chinese nationals. (SunStar Philippines)