‘Sikyu’ shoots dead hold up suspect atop Jones Bridge

An alert security guard shot dead a suspected robber who held up a passenger jeepney in broad daylight yesterday atop the Jones Bridge in Binondo, Manila, while another suspect was arrested after a brief chase.

The fatality, identified by his companion as a certain "Alyas Pogi," succumbed to a gunshot wound on his upper right leg while undergoing treatment at the Philippine General Hospital.

Another suspected robber, identified as Michael Manalo, 30, of 577 Geronimo St., Sampaloc, was collared by responding traffic aides of the Manila City Hall.

Investigation conducted by SPO2 Steve Casimiro showed Manny Ocaño, a security guard assigned to watch over the lights at the Jones Bridge, was conducting his usual routine past noon when he noticed a commotion inside a Divisoria-bound passenger jeepney.

In an instant, two males jumped off the speeding jeepney while its passengers shouted for help. Ocaño gave chase to the two suspects, even as one of the suspects reportedly turned around and pointed his gun at him.

Ocaño fired and hit the armed suspect, while another suspect was chased by traffic aides.

Though wounded, the bloodied suspect managed to run a few meters and collapsed at the foot of the bridge. He was immediately rushed to a hospital.

According to Ocaño, one of his duties is to patrol the span of the Jones Bridge following the rampant thefts of the lights that adorn the bridge.