Alleged robbers who "killed" cop identified

CEBU, Philippines - The police in Talisay City yesterday identified the robbery suspects who shot dead PO1 William Mangubat in barangay Tabunok, Talisay City last Friday.

Sr. Insp. Errol Francis Deveyra, officer-in-charge of the Talisay City Police Station, named brothers Jundee and Lito Oros, residents of sitio Mananga 2, barangay Tabunok, and a certain Noel Pacaña of sitio Villa Bulsita, barangay Bulacao, Cebu City as behind the crime.

The men were identified by witnesses who reportedly saw last Friday's incident in sitio Mananga 2 where Mangubat was shot following a chase with the alleged robbery suspects. It was not clear to the police however as to who among the three men shot the neophyte policeman.

Based on the initial investigation conducted by the homicide section, it was only Jundee and Pacaña who were responsible for the robbery of the south-bound multicab that Friday afternoon.

A certain "Des," earlier told the police she was robbed of her handbag containing valuable materials by two unidentified men.

The follow-up investigation however revealed that Lito reportedly came to his brother's rescue who together with Pacana ran to the interior part of Mananga 2 when they saw Mangubat chasing them after they alighted from the multicab.

Mangubat, who was stationed at the area, reportedly heard Des screaming that there were robbers in the multicab, dashed towards the two suspects, of which one was still allegedly seen holding a .45 caliber pistol and a handbag.

Allegedly, the suspects hid somewhere and waited for Mangubat to come to them and then shot him three times, hitting him in the head and his right shoulder, causing his instantaneous death.

Police records show that Lito is a notorious robber who has been tagged for several robbery incidents in the city and in the neighboring areas.

The police are still looking for the suspects.