Tejero, Cebu City: ‘Robber’ killed resisting arrest

CEBU, Philippines - A suspected robber was killed after he allegedly tried to shoot it out with the police Friday night along General Maxilom Extension, Barangay Carreta, Cebu City.

Joel Conseja alias “Pawikan,” a resident of Barangay Tejero, succumbed to a gunshot wound to his chest.

According to Chief Inspector David Señor, who heads the Theft and Robbery Section of Cebu City Police Office, two personnel of the City Intelligence Branch were conducting roving along General Maxilom Avenue at around 10 p.m. when they passed by robbery victim Zusie Diniay, 30.

Diniay told Police Officers 2 Kenneth Gaquit and Dioadato Lunday that she was walking at the sidewalk when two men each on a bicycle robbed her at a gunpoint and took her pouch containing P150.

Gaquit and Lunday immediately conducted hot pursuit operation together with the victim.

Later, the two robbers, who were identified by Diniay, were found near the vicinity of the old White Gold Club in Barangay Tejero still onboard their bicycles.

The policemen commanded the two to stop but instead of heeding, Conseja allegedly pulled out a handgun, prompting the lawmen to open fire.

Conseja, who was hit in the chest, died on the spot. His cohort was able to escape.

The policemen recovered a .45 cal. pistol and the bicycle from the suspect.

Señor said their investigation revealed that Conseja and his companion are involved in the series of robbery and shooting incidents around the area as per record of Waterfront Police Station and Mabolo Police Station.

“Pirmi na man ko makadungog about ana niya (Conseja). Pirmi na siya maalarma sa station 3 (Waterfront) ug station 4 (Mabolo),” said Señor.

He said the robbers’ main targets were passengers of public utility vehicles.

According to Señor, what Gaquit and Lunday did was just right and legal since the robber threatened their lives.

“Legitimate ‘to siya nga operation ug nisukol man ang suspetsado, mao legal ‘to nga action ang gibuhat sa atong kapulisan,” said the TRS chief.

Authorities are still locating the whereabouts of Conseja’s cohort. Señor said Diniay is willing to file charges against him if caught.  (FREEMAN)