Suspect in San Pascual shooting incident ‘commits suicide’

STO. TOMAS City, Batangas — One man suspected of a shooting incident in Batangas City was accordingly found dead by authorities even as a police officer was injured during the operation by authorities in the said city.

According to the report from Batangas Police Provincial Office Provincial Director Police Colonel Samson Belmonte to Police Regional Office CALABARZON Director Police Brigadier General Carlito Gaces, the identified suspect was Aristotle De Chavez, a young man from Barangay Pook na Banal, San Pascual, Batangas.

During the operation conducted by Batangas City Police Station around 9:40 PM on September 2, 2023, related to the shooting incident that occurred in Barangay Balagtas in the same town around 1:30 AM on the same day, the suspect was spotted while driving his vehicle near Breckenridge Hamburg Hotel, Barangay Sta. Rita Karsada.

When the police approached him to talk and request surrender, he suddenly opened fire using a firearm he had with him, the same weapon used in the earlier shooting. This led to an exchange of gunfire between the suspect and the authorities, resulting in the injury of PSSg Ponciano Asilo Jr.

Due to the suspect’s aggressive actions, the police called for additional reinforcements from Batangas CPS, and the SWAT team from the Police Provincial Office and the 1st Provincial Mobile Force Company arrived.

However, when authorities entered the suspect’s location, he allegedly took his own life by shooting himself with a .45 caliber firearm, which resulted in his death.

Meanwhile, PSsg Asilo Jr. was immediately taken to the hospital for immediate medical attention.

According to the investigation, around 3:30 AM on the same day, a witness approached and reported to the Batangas CPS leadership about the shooting incident involving the suspect, which led to the victim, Sherwin A. Matanguihan’s, demise.

Despite receiving medical care at the hospital, the victim was pronounced dead by the doctors. Meanwhile, the suspect fled the scene in a Gray Mazda Sedan.

“This is proof of our police force’s rapid response and dedication to combatting criminal activities. It serves as a positive example for those engaged in unlawful actions, showing that the Batangas police are always ready to fight against criminality,” said Belmonte.