Chinese importer killed in Binondo

A Chinese importer was shot dead by robbers who snatched his bag reportedly containing some P3-million cash in Binondo, Manila yesterday.

Police identified the victim as Tian Sheng Chen, 51, of 467 C. M. Recto Avenue, Binondo, Manila. He died on the spot due to gunshot would in the chest.

Barangay tanod Romeo Balmore, 25, was also wounded after being shot by third robber when he tried to arrest the two robbers escaping with the loot. He was taken to the Gat Andres Bonifacio Hospital for treatment of gunshot wound in the chest and the bullet exited to the left side of this body.

Investigator SPO4 Solomon Batalier said the robbers managed to escape after the incident that took place at around 11:30 a.m. in front of Unity Tradings located along Sto. Cristo street, Binondo.

Batalier could not yet tell whether Tian was about to deposit the money or had just withdrawn from a nearby bank before the incident.

Batalier reported to Senior Inspector Alejandro Yanquiling Jr., Western Police District-Homicide Section chief that the victim was walking along the street carrying the bag when the robbers approached him.

The importer tried to resist the robbery prompting one of robbers to shoot him. People in the area did not intervene for fear of their lives.

Balmore, who saw the commotion, went after the robbers, whom he tried to arrest.

As Balmore was about to accost the robbers, a cohort approached the barangay official and shot him at close range. Police are now hunting down the suspects.

Yanquiling said the robbers apparently established the routine of the victim before carrying out the criminal act. — Cecille Suerte Felipe