2 dead, 3 wounded in Leyte ambush; cops launch hot pursuit

TACLOBAN CITY- A deadly shooting incident in Barangay Salvacion, Albuera, in Leyte, left two persons dead, and three others wounded on Monday morning, prompting a police manhunt in the mountainous area of the barangay.

Based on initial police reports from the Leyte Police Provincial Office (LPPO), the victims were onboard a Toyota Wigo en route to the población of Albuera when they were attacked upon reaching an uphill section of the road around 7 a.m.

The suspect or suspects, whose identities and motive remain unknown, reportedly used an unspecified firearm.

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READ: Cop survives ambush; suspect wounded in shootout in Leyte

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Authorities identified the fatalities as Maria Noya Velos, 51, and Sherwin Villones Gumop-As, 23, both residents of Brgy. Salvacion. Velos was reportedly the common-law wife of Walter Taripe, village chairman of Salvacion.

Police said both victims sustained gunshot wounds to the head and neck, resulting in their immediate death at the scene.

Three others were injured in the attack, including Daniel Gumop-As, 56, a 17-year-old minor, and 18-year-old John Carlo Israel Porneto. The wounded victims were rushed to Ormoc District Hospital for treatment.

After the shooting, the suspect fled toward the mountainous portion of the barangay, triggering a hot pursuit operation led by Police Major Franklin Romeo Parangan Jr., along with personnel from the Albuera Municipal Police Station, SWAT teams, and other responding units.

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The Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) were also deployed to process the area and collect forensic evidence.

LPPO Director Col. Celerino Sacro Jr. said all efforts are underway to identify and arrest the suspect. Authorities are also coordinating with residents for any information that may help resolve the case.

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At present, the motive for the attack is still under investigation, police said, adding that all possible leads are being pursued.

READ: ‘Ex-drug pusher’ to face attempted murder raps for shooting Leyte cop

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The provincial police office extended condolences to the families of the victims and assured the public of a thorough investigation to ensure justice is served./coa