AFTER HE VICTIMIZED AMERICAN: Alleged thief gunned down by 'vigilantes'

CEBU, Philippines - About four hours after he was released from detention, a suspected pickpocket was gunned down by two motorcycle-riding along General Maxilom Avenue, corner S. Osmeña Boulevard, Barangay Tejero, Cebu City past 9 p.m. on Monday.

Richard Mañala, 40, a native of Isabela City, Basilan, who was one of the four suspects who victimized an American national outside a mall in the city, bore fatal gunshot wounds to his head and body.

Police said Mañala was released from the Cebu City Police Office stockade at around 5:30 p.m. after his victim, Ronald Thyryll Woods failed to file a complaint against him.

According to a female witness, she was walking on her way home with some friends when they saw Mañala, who was also walking on the sidewalk, shot several times, for unknown reason, by two unidentified men. After the shooting, the perpetrators reportedly immediately rode a waiting black motorcycle and sped away towards the direction of Plaza Independencia.

Responding policemen recovered seven empty shells and two slugs of .45 caliber pistol from the crime scene. Also recovered from the victim was a black backpack containing assorted clothing and P50 bill from the pocket of his short pants.

Mañala was arrested last Friday night after he and his three cohorts stole the wallet of Woods, a native of Texas, USA, that contained P30,000 cash while the latter and his friends were waiting for a ride along N. Bacalso, Avenue. Bystanders cornered Mañala that resulted to his arrest but his three accomplices were able to elude arrest and took with them Woods’ wallet that contained the cash amount.

Mañala’s remains now lies at the St. Francis Funeral Homes. – Niña G. Sumacot/WAB   (FREEMAN NEWS)