Gun-for-hire-group leader killed in Batangas encounter: police

BATANGAS - An alleged leader of a gun-for-hire group was killed in an encounter with the police in Bauan town on Friday, police said.

Leonilo "Ka Nilo" Bantugon, leader of the Bantugon Group, died while being treated at Bauan Medicare Hospital due to multiple gunshot wounds.

According to police, elements of the Batangas Police Intelligence Group and SWAT team were about to serve a search warrant for Bantugon in Barangay Bagilawa when the encounter ensued at around 9 a.m.

Armed with the warrant issued by Judge Agripino Morga of Branch 29 of San Pablo Regional Trial Court, police were about to enter the house of Bantugon when the suspect allegedly sensed the operation, prompting him to run away.

Police said a running gun battle ensued, until the pursuing lawmen gunned down Bantugon 50 meters away from his house.

Police recovered a caliber .45 pistol and an AK-47 rifle from Bantugon, based on the initial information given by Chief Inspector Calderon to the media.

Calderon said the Bantugon group is allegedly involved in gun-for-hire and fuel pilferage, and operates in Bauan and Mabini towns in Batangas.