Traffic cop cheats death in rob try

A Quezon City traffic cop cheated death after an improvised shotgun fired by one of two suspects jammed while trying to rob him of his motorcycle last Tuesday night on the newly-built North Diversion Overpass at the Caloocan-Quezon City boundary.

PO2 Domingo Valerio, 32, assigned at the Sector 6 of the Quezon City Traffic Enforcement Group said the incident took place at 11:15 p.m. while he was on his way home on board his motorcycle.

PO3 Carlos Almario, officer-on-case, identified the suspects as Jonel de Guia, 28, of East Bagong Barrio and Allan Ayrozo, 27, of Bagong Barrio, both in Caloocan City.

Both have been detained at the police jail even as charges of attempted homicide are being readied against them.

In his statement to investigators, Valerio said he was exiting the narrow overpass when the suspects flagged him down, blocked his path and tried to grab his motorcycle.

The officer said he saw Ayrozo carrying a shotgun and so drew his service firearm. He said the suspects were surprised to find their prospective victim in a police uniform.

Ayrozo, in panic, fired, but his shotgun jammed.

The duo then tried to flee, but Valerio fired at them with his 9 mm service pistol. He missed his target as he tried to keep his motorcycle upright with his left hand.

Valerio alighted and gave chase, later cornering Ayrozo and disarming him. Barangay 155 watchmen Christopher Cab and Joseph Dabalos later caught De Guia.

Valerio reported the incident to barangay officials and sent the suspects for a medical checkup before turning them over to the police. — Jerry Botial