Airport cop dies in shootout with jeepney robbers

An off-duty airport policeman was killed when he shot it out with three holdup men preying on passengers of a public utility jeepney in Parañaque City the other night.

Cpl. Emilio Peralta, 25, died while undergoing treatment at the Olivarez Hospital after sustaining gunshot wounds in the head and other parts of the body.

Investigators said the victim was walking along Dr. A. Santos Avenue, formerly Sucat Road, at around 8 p.m. when he spotted three men robbing passengers of a jeepney.

As he approached the suspects, he was fired upon. Witnesses said an exchange of gunfire then ensued.

Moments later, the policeman was lying on the pavement as the three suspects fled on foot toward an unknown direction. They took the officer’s caliber .9 mm service pistol.

PO3 Eric Sarino of the Station Investigation Unit said they found three spent shells in the area.

Meanwhile, Peralta’s colleagues expressed their sympathy to the family of the slain officer.

"He was a young and dedicated officer. Tahimik lang at hindi palaaway," said Col. Ebenezer Razol, the officer’s superior. — Edu Punay