Cops kill escaping prisoners

Two suspected members of the Harurot Gang were shot dead inside the Western Police District headquarters yesterday morning after they grabbed the guns of two policemen and engaged them in a shootout.

Killed were Roel dela Rosa, 31, alias Popo, of 1982 Kahilum II, Pandacan, and Rafael Cordero, 21, of 1494 Labores St., Pandacan, Manila. Both died while being taken to the Manila Medical Center, located across the WPD headquarters.

Police said De la Rosa was shot three times in the body and head by SPO1 Maurito Reniendo while Cordero was gunned down by PO1 Michael John Pornilos.

Investigation showed that the shooting took place at the Theft and Robbery Section of WPD headquarters along U.N. Avenue in Ermita, Manila at around 7:45 a.m. yesterday.

Dela Rosa and Cordero were about to be transferred to the Manila City Jail, where they would be detained.

Prior to the shooting, PO1 Romel del Rosario, officer-on-case, said De la Rosa and Cordero asked permission from PO3 Mario Reyes of the Theft and Robbery Division to go to the comfort room.

As Reyes removed their handcuffs, the suspects grabbed the guns of PO2 Jefferson Britanico and PO2 Florante Raquino Jr.

De la Rosa, who seized Britanico’s 9mm pistol, fired the gun indiscriminately but no one was hit. Reniendo responded by shooting De la Rosa thrice.

The other suspect made a dash for the rooftop as soon as he seized a weapon. However, Pornilos gave chase and cornered him at the mezzanine of the headquarters.

Cordero fired at Pornilos but missed, prompting the cop to retaliate, hitting the suspect in the head.

Investigator SPO4 Rodolfo delos Reyes of the Theft and Robbery Section said Dela Rosa and Cordero could have planned the escape long before the incident took place. – With Nestor Etolle