A POLICEMAN and a suspect were killed while three others were wounded in an encounter with law enforcers and armed men the other night in Sto. Tomas, Batangas.

The fatalities were identified as Insp. Reynaldo C. Valencia and Carlito Cornejo. The wounded, identified as Allan Cornejo, Nelson Cornejo and Crisanto Lawas,  were taken to the nearest hospital.

Reports reaching Camp Crame showed the encounter occurred at around 7:30 p.m. in Bgy. San Miguel, Sto. Tomas, Batangas.

Investigators said members of the Sto. Tomas Municipal Police Station led by Valencia were on surveillance operation when they encountered suspicious looking men.

It was learned that when the suspects saw the policemen, they immediately fired at the officers who promptly returned fire.

Valencia was wounded and taken to St. Cabrini Hospital where he died while undergoing treatment while Cornejo was declared dead on arrival.

Recovered at the scene were a .38 revolver with five spent shells, four spent shells for 9mm pistol, a slug for .45 pistol, a motorcycle and two bolos.