Luneta shootout: 1 killed, 3 hurt

A Rizal Park stroller was killed while three others were wounded Monday night when they were caught in a shootout between park security guards and suspected snatchers.

Fifty-one year old driver Leopoldo Caparagan died at the Ospital ng Maynila from a bullet wound in the chest. Those wounded were identified as Brando Villanueva, 24, Carlito Legaspi, 40, and Joseph Gumboc, 33. They are now out of danger police said.

Western Police District (WPD) Homicide unit investigator Senior Police Officer 1 Benito Cabatbat said the guards, detailed at the nearby Department of Tourism were pursuing the three snatchers who were reportedly armed with caliber .45 pistols after a visitor sought their help.

Cabatbat said that about 9:15 p.m. the snatcher grabbed the Nokia 3310 cellphone of the unidentified victim. However, instead of fleeing, the suspects loitered around the park’s skating rink. The snatching victim then approached the guards belonging to the Alert Security Agency and sought their help.

The guards identified as Dexter Fonabey, Juanito Andoyo and Reynaldo Maranang then approached the suspects but were suddenly met by gunfire.

Caparagan and those injured were hit in the arms and legs after the snatchers and the guards traded shots.

Police said the snatchers appeared to have been alerted of the guards’ presence before the shooting.

The snatchers escaped towards nearby Maria Orosa street. Police recovered four spent caliber .45 shells at the scene. Rizal Park is a favorite hangout of vagrants and petty criminals, police said.