(Photo courtesy of PNP Anti-Kidnapping Group)
MANILA – Two suspected members linked to a kidnap-for-ransom group (KFRG) were killed in a shootout with lawmen in Antipolo City on Thursday morning.
Based on initial information from the Philippine National Police Anti-Kidnapping Group (PNP-AKG), the suspects were identified as a certain "Kelly" and "Roy", who are allegedly members of the "Mokong" KFRG in an encounter with police officers conducting checkpoint operations along Marcos Highway, Sitio Painuman in Barangay Inarawan, Antipolo City.
The PNP AKG said the checkpoint was set up after receiving information that the suspects were about to commit robbery in the area.
The two suspects were then on board a motorcycle with no plate number allegedly evaded the checkpoint and fired shots, prompting authorities to retaliate.
Authorities recovered at the scene a .45-caliber pistol, a sub-machine gun, and some spent shells.
Meanwhile, medical personnel with an ambulance from Barangay Sta. Cruz. arrived at the scene where the suspects were declared as dead on the spot.
Police said the "Mokong" group, led by a certain Ryan Bonn Dela Cruz, is involved in various illegal activities such as gun-running, robbery, kidnap-for-ransom, and the proliferation of illegal drugs in Metro Manila and nearby provinces. (PNA)
