POLICE arrested on Sunday, December 4, 2022, three suspects in the killing of two police personnel in Mabalacat City, Pampanga on Saturday.

Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Rodolfo Azurin Jr. said Jun-jun Baluyut, 44; Aries Bagsic, 40; and Leslie Placiente, 30, were m arrested around 3:30 a.m. of December 4 along South Daang Bakal Road in Barangay Dau during a follow-up operation conducted by the Pampanga PNP.

On Saturday, around 3:40 a.m., Senior Master Sergeant Sofronio Capitle Jr. and Staff Sergeant Dominador Gacusan Jr. were gunned down while on board a motorcycle in Barangay Dau after conducting an anti-illegal drugs operation.

Witnesses said the suspects alighted from their motorcycles and shot the victims on their heads at point blank, resulting in their immediate death.

Charges against the arrested persons were being prepared for filing in court.

Also during a follow-up operation, police arrested another possible suspect in the policemen’s slay after allegedly engaging cops who were manning a checkpoint in an armed encounter.

Pieces of evidence recovered at the scene include one caliber .45 pistol, which will be placed under ballistic examination to identify if it was used in the cops’ killing.

"I already gave my order to RD, PRO 3 to supervise the conduct of thorough investigation and pursuit operation to arrest those who were involved on this murder case that led to death of our two PNP personnel,” Azurin said.

Police are still conducting investigation and hot pursuit operation for possible apprehension of the remaining suspects.

"We expressed our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families of PSMS Capitle and PSSg Gacusan. The entire PNP family grieves with their family and loved ones for losing a great son, a friend, and a public servant. Rest assured that PNP will provide all due assistance to our demised members,” he added. (SunStar Philippines)