Company driver killed in payroll robbery try

A company driver was shot dead by three motorcycle-riding men during a foiled robbery yesterday in Mandaluyong City.

Superintendent Ericson Velasquez, Mandaluyong City police chief, set up checkpoints at all entry and exit points of the city, but police failed to intercept the suspects.

Velasquez said Rachel Alberto, driver of the WRC Group of Companies, sustained gunshot wounds in the left armpit and right thigh and died while being treated at the Potenciano Medical Center.

Initial investigation showed that Alberto withdrew P3 million company payroll from a bank along Shaw Boulevard. Another car was accompanying the black Mitsubishi Pajero (WBX-395) he was driving.

The other vehicle, where the money was placed, left ahead of the Pajero as it was slowed down by traffic at the parking lot of the bank.

Unaware that the money was not with Alberto, the motorcycle-riding suspects blocked his path along the EDSA-Crossing flyover at around 12:20 p.m.

Witnesses said the suspects were wearing black long-sleeved shirts.

One of the suspects, pulled out a handgun and pointed at Alberto while another companion searched the Pajero for the money, Velasquez said.

After falling to find the cash, the frustrated suspects fired twice at Alberto at close range, witnesses said.

The trio boarded the motorcycle and sped toward Pasig City. Responding police mobile cars rushed Alberto to the hospital.

Velasquez said they recovered two empty shells of a caliber .45 automatic pistol at the crime scene. — Non Alquitran