Manila cops solve Binondo slay case

Manila police have solved the robbery-slay of a Chinese importer in Binondo, Manila with the arrest of two principal suspects who were positively identified by five witnesses as the perpetrators of the crime.

Western Police District’s Homicide Section chief Senior Inspector Alex Yanquiling presented to Manila Mayor Lito Atienza yesterday Richard Flores, 29, the alleged gunman, and Bernie Solis, 29, who were both arrested in their lairs in Tondo, Manila. Witnesses pointed to the two suspects as the persons who robbed and shot to death businessman Tian Sheng Chen, 51, and critically wounded barangay tanod Romeo Balmore, 25.

The two suspects are members of the so-called "Batman Gang" and are notorious holdupmen who have a string of robbery cases, according to Yanquiling.

Chen was allegedly shot dead by Flores while Solis snatched the victim’s bag containing some P2 million at about 11:30 a.m. Friday along Sto. Cristo street in Binondo. He died on the spot due to a gunshot wound in the chest.

Balmore was also reportedly shot by Flores when he tried to arrest the fleeing suspects. He sustained a gunshot wound in the chest with the bullet exiting on the left side of his body.

Yanquiling said five witnesses which include a vendor, a sales boy, a parking aide, a passerby and the wounded tanod positively identified the suspects during a police lineup.

Yanquiling attributed the early solution of the case to the good working relationship among the operatives of the homicide section and the Binondo and Sta. Cruz police stations.

"The field activities of these police personnel were integrated to complement one another. They have adhered to the management policy of WPD director Gen. Bulaong putting emphasis in the principle of teamwork," Yanquiling said.

City prosecutor Virginia Fabe recommended the filing of robbery with homicide with no bail recommended against the two suspects.

Meanwhile, Yanquiling said an extensive follow-up operation is now ongoing against a third suspect who may have taken the P2-million loot.