CAMP VICENTE LIM, Canlubang, Calamba Laguna –- Three village watchmen responding to a call of duty on Saturday were shot dead in Cainta, Rizal.

A report submitted to Police Regional Office 4A Director Brig. Gen. Carlito Gaces by Cainta police chief Maj. Jake Cariño identified the victims as Ronnie Gonzales, 58; Romeo Cortez, 55; and Roberto Donor, 51; all members of the Barangay Peacekeeping and Safety Office (BPSO) in Bgy. San Juan in Cainta.

The trio died on the spot from gunshot wounds in the chest and back.

Suspect James Jazmines, a 68-year-old former overseas Filipino worker and a TODA (Tricycle Operators and Drivers’ Association) officer, was killed in a gunfight with responding lawmen.

Prior to the victims’ tragic death, William Celestino appeared at the barangay hall asking for help after Jazmines allegedly mauled him.

The three village watchmen, along with a security guard of the subdivision, responded and went to the house of the suspect, where they were met with gunfire.

“Itong barangay iinvite lang sana siya (Jazmines), ngayon pagdating nila sa bahay ng suspect, pinaputukan kagad sila, so, tatlo agad ‘yung patay na mga tanod and then ‘yung suspect lumabas pa at talagang gustong mamaril,” said Cariño.

A concerned citizen immediately called the police.

Police arrived and found the three village watchmen dead while the suspect was hiding inside his house.

Officers tried to negotiate for the peaceful surrender of Jazmines, who instead of yielding fired at the lawmen.

“Past 3 p.m. nag-umpisa ang negotiation, tapos itong nangyari na mga 9 p.m. na napasok. Ginamit namin lahat ng option namin, remedy namin, pero wala talaga, hindi na talaga nagmamatigas na talaga siya,” the official said.

“May salamin doon sa baba ng bahay, so, nakita ng suspect ‘yung pagpasok n gating mga pulis kaya pinaputukan sila, buti na lang may gamit na shield kaya may proteksyon ang SWAT natin,” Cariño added.

A SWAT member suffered a wound on the face and was brought to the nearest hospital for treatment.

According to Cariño, the suspect had no criminal record but his children told the police that Jazmines was suffering from depression.