Cagayan: A man implicated in the killing of two police officers in Bocaue, Bulacan last March was killed in an armed confrontation with authorities in Barangay Bacagan, Baggao, Cagayan on Tuesday. Edison Bayumbon, known by the alias "Xander," was shot dead after allegedly opening fire on police officers who were serving an arrest warrant against him, according to the Cagayan Police Provincial Office (CPPO) in a statement released on Thursday.

According to Philippines News Agency, Bayumbon was accused of involvement in the deaths of Staff Sgt. Dennis Cudiamat and Staff Sgt. Gian George Dela Cruz, both serving with the Bocaue Municipal Police, on March 8. During the shootout, authorities recovered a Glock pistol with serial number PNP50742, which is believed to have belonged to one of the officers killed in the March ambush in Bulacan.

Brig. Gen. Antonio Marallag Jr., the regional police chief, emphasized that Cagayan Valley will not provide sanctuary to criminals. "The suspect's death sends a strong message - Cagayan Valley is not a refuge for criminals. More importantly, this is a victory for justice for PSSgt. Cudiamat, PSSgt. Dela Cruz, and their grieving families," Marallag stated.

The CPPO noted that further investigation is being conducted to ascertain if Bayumbon had any accomplices in the murder of the two Bulacan police officers.