Tagaytay City - A violent confrontation over a land dispute in Tagaytay City resulted in the deaths of two police officers and a lawyer on Sunday, leading to the arrest of two suspects facing double murder charges.

According to Philippines News Agency, Quezon City, Elver Mabuti and Benedicto Herbon, a retired sheriff, were apprehended in a follow-up operation. The incident occurred inside the Prime Peak Subdivision in Barangay Maitim 2nd Central, claiming the lives of Capt. Adrian Binalay of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group - National Capital Region, and Capt. Tomas Ganio Batarao Jr. of the Regional Personnel Holding Accounting Section of the National Capital Region Police Office. Lawyer Denis Santos was also killed in the shootout.

"These persons under custody and another suspect at large, a witness submitted a sworn statement that they opened fire during the incident. We are looking into the land dispute as the motive as there is a row between a claimant represented by a lawyer and the one who claims to be the owner of the land and possess a title to it," Fajardo explained. The two officers were reportedly invited to inspect a parcel of land within the subdivision, and despite being advised against entering, they proceeded under the insistence of the landowner.

As the police officers were surveying the property, Santos' group arrived and initiated gunfire. Capt. Binalay was fatally shot on the spot, while Capt. Batarao and lawyer Santos later succumbed to multiple gunshot wounds in the hospital.

The PNP has launched a full investigation to unravel the circumstances of the fatal encounter. PNP Chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil expressed his condolences and affirmed the force's commitment to justice. "The entire police force mourns the tragic loss of our brave officers. We will ensure that those responsible are held accountable and that justice is served swiftly," stated Marbil.