Wanted cop killer shot dead in shootout

URBIZTONDO — The elusive No. 1 Most Wanted Person in San Carlos City was killed while his companion was wounded in an armed encounter with policemen at about 3:50 p.m. on September 14 in Barangay Camambugan, Urbiztondo.

Danilo dela Vega Fernandez alias “Papsie” was on board a green Hyundai Getz car with plate no. ZCR 412 on the way home from Basista town to Urbiztondo when intercepted by lawmen to serve him a warrant of arrest for murder and frustrated murder.

Fernandez was immediately brought to the Blessed Family Hospital in Barangay Ylang, Urbiztondo where he was declared dead on arrival by an attending physician.

His companion identified as Jefferson Bulatao, 28, a suspected drug pusher from Poblacion, Basista, who was rushed to the Pangasinan Provincial Hospital in Bolingit, San Carlos City.

Fernandez was wanted for the killing of SPO1 Jimbo Agtarap, of the San Carlos City Police Station, a few months ago along the road in Barangay Agdao, San Carlos City while the latter was on board his motorcycle.

Motive of the killing is still unknown but may be related to drugs since Agtarap was a member of the Drug Enforcement Team of the San Carlos City police.

Suspects in Agtarap slay escaped on board a white van that was chased by another policeman on his own motorcycle. The latter was wounded when the suspects opened fire at him.

Investigation showed that when Fernandez saw policemen along the road, he stopped their vehicle and alighted with a pistol on hand.

Instead of surrendering, he shot it out with joint elements of the San Carlos City and Basista police, Provincial Public Safety Company, Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team, Provincial Intelligence Branch, Pangasinan Police Provincial Office and Urbiztondo police

Lawmen retaliated and hit Fernandez and his lone companion.