Manila cop killed in shootout

A Manila policeman, who responded to a robbery incident allegedly perpetrated by a rookie cop and his civilian accomplice, was shot dead in a shootout with the suspects at a police checkpoint in Tondo early yesterday.

Police Officer 3 Orlando Balasta, 32, detailed at the Balut, Tondo police station, succumbed to a gunshot wound in the head while undergoing treatment at the Mary Johnston Hospital.

Responding policemen arrested the two suspects, PO2 Rosvelando Cruz, 32, detailed at the District Headquarters Support Unit of the Eastern Police District (DHSU-EPD), and his civilian cohort Jayson Llanos, 25, of San Juan, Metro Manila.

Cruz was reportedly undergoing dismissal proceedings over an unspecified offense at the EPD at the time of his arrest. Recovered from the suspects were a 9mm pistol, a knife and the P1,460 in cash. Police also impounded a "Ken-Ken" taxi (TVV-123) which had been forcibly taken by the suspects from its driver during the robbery.

According to Manila Police District homicide section commander Chief Inspector Dominador Arevalo Jr., the suspects boarded the taxi driven by Dante Hernandez at 12:30 a.m. along Kalentong street in Shaw Boulevard.

When the taxi reached Juan Luna street in Tondo, the suspects announced a holdup and divested the driver of his P1,460 earnings. The suspects drove away with the taxi.

The driver hailed another taxi and reported the robbery at a police checkpoint at the corner of Juan Luna and North Bay Boulevard under the command of Inspector Cecile Fajardo, who gave chase on board a barangay patrol vehicle.

Balasta followed on board his scooter.

When the responding policemen reached the corner of Capulong and R-10 Road, they spotted the taxi.

Balasta positioned himself at the side of the road with his gun drawn. A shot rang out as the taxi passed him.

Balasta fell to the ground with a gunshot wound in the forehead.

Other policemen then fired at the taxi, forcing the suspects to come out of the vehicle with their hands raised.

The two suspects are now facing charges of robbery with homicide.