Four individuals wounded in a gunfight with police in Arayat, Pampanga have died, according to the Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday, June 29, 2026. The suspects succumbed to their injuries while undergoing hospital treatment.
Incident Details
The confrontation occurred on Saturday evening, June 27, in Barangay San Juan Bano, Arayat, after concerned citizens reported armed men indiscriminately firing their weapons. Police responded and identified themselves as law enforcers, but the suspects opened fire, prompting officers to return fire, PNP Public Information Office chief Colonel Allan Rae Co said in a press conference at Camp Crame.
“Regarding the incident in Arayat, it started when concerned citizens reported to the police that there were armed individuals firing their guns in a relatively remote area of Arayat. Our police officers responded and identified themselves as law enforcers, but despite that, they were fired upon. As a result, our police personnel were compelled to neutralize the threat and return fire,” Co said in a mix of Tagalog and English.
Suspects and Seized Items
Authorities recovered multiple firearms and an explosive device from the scene, including a caliber .45 pistol, an M16 rifle, a 12-gauge shotgun, a caliber .38 revolver, a carbine rifle, and a hand grenade. One of the deceased was identified as alias “Ka Arlet,” the alleged leader of a gun-for-hire group linked to killings of local officials and election candidates.
“We have information received last January 24, 2025 that he was contacted by some individuals to assassinate several local candidates to include a mayoralty candidate in Arayat, Pampanga,” Co said. “Now the three others are still being profiled. All four suspects are now deceased.”
Possible Motive
Co speculated on the suspects’ actions: “As to their reason, only they can say, but they were drinking there. Maybe firing their guns was part of showing off, and that was reported to our police.” The PNP continues to investigate the incident and profile the three other suspects.
