A YOUNG man was killed in a shootout with an intelligence operative in Kadingilan, Bukidnon Thursday, November 7.
The suspect, identified as John Mark Gonzales of Kiara, Don Carlos town, died from five gunshot wounds on different parts of his body.
Investigation showed that Police Corporal Johnny Padillo, an intelligence operative of Kadingilan town police, was on board his motorcycle when he noticed a motorcycle with two riders tailing him.
When he reached the town proper, the suspects waylaid and shot Padillo.
Padillo was able to elude and fired back at the suspects. Gonzales was hit while the driver of the motorcycle escaped.
Recovered from the suspect's possession was suspected methamphetamine hydrochloride (shabu) and a .45 caliber pistol loaded with two ammunition.
Police Corporal Glicerio Hallasgo, case investigator, said Padillo did not know the gunman.
"Wala pa ta naka-establish sa motive pero among gitan-aw tungod kay operative siya, posible nga daghan siya nabikil nga wala siya kabalo or maybe gun-for-hire pud siya," Hallasgo said.
(We have not established the motive yet, But considering he’s an intelligence operative, he might have made some enemies. Or the suspect may have been a gun-for-hire.)
Hallasgo said he will run a background check of the gunman.