Police identified the fatality as Romar Siliwan, 20, of San Roque II, Barangay Pag-asa. He died from bullet wounds on the way to the East Avenue Medical Center.
The Central Police District-Criminal Investigation Unit said the incident took place shortly after midnight in front of the Philam Homes gate on EDSA.
On board an RCGG bus (PXM-823) bound for Alabang, Siliwan and a still unidentified companion announced a holdup upon reaching the Philam gate. An armed Siliwan tried to take the cellular phone of an 18-year-old passenger, but was met with resistance.
The resulting commotion caught the attention of SPO2 Romeo Catolin, who was also a passenger on the bus.
Catolin, who is detailed at CPD Station 10 in Kamias identified himself as a lawman and moved to arrest the suspects.
The suspect, however, fired a shot, enabling him and his cohort to alight from the bus. A gun battle ensued when the police officer gave chase.
Siliwan was hit upon reaching the other side of the highway. The other suspect was able elude arrest. – Katherine Adraneda