2 police captains, lawyer die in Tagaytay shootout

TWO police captains and a lawyer died in a shootout in a subdivision in Tagaytay City, Cavite last Sunday afternoon.

The Calabarzon police regional office named the slain police officers as Captains Adrian Binalay and Tomas Ganio Batarao Jr.

Binalay was assigned with the PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group-National Capital Region while Batarao was detailed with the PNP Calabarzon’s Regional Personnel Holding and Accounting Section.

The slain lawyer was identified only as Santos.

The incident occurred at around 2 p.m. inside the Prime Peak Subdivision in Barangay Maitim, 2nd Central in Tagaytay City, police said.

PNP spokeswoman Col. Jean Fajardo said the police officers, accompanied by a broker, went to the subdivision to see a property being sold.

The policemen were initially prevented by security guards from entering the subdivision but they insisted, saying they were meeting the owner of the property being sold to them.

While they were already inside, a vehicle arrived moments later.

Fajardo said the lawyer, who she said was the legal counsel of Prime Peak Subdivision, alighted from the vehicle and opened fire at the policemen, who returned fire.

Three security guards reportedly joined the lawyer in firing shots at the policemen. Two security guards were later arrested and are now facing murder charges while the other one managed to escape.

Binalay died on the spot while Batarao and the lawyer were declared dead on arrival at a hospital.

Fajardo said they are eyeing land dispute as the motive behind the gun battle.

She said initial information showed Santos was representing a client claiming ownership of the property being sold to the policemen.

“That is the angle we are looking into,” said Fajardo, adding the owner had a land title.

PNP chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil ordered a thorough investigation of the incident.

The PNP said an investigating team has been created “to gather all pertinent evidence and witness statements to determine the facts and circumstances surrounding this incident.”

“The entire police force mourns the tragic loss of our brave officers. We will ensure that those responsible are held accountable and that justice is