2 killed, 3 hurt in QC shootout

Two grenade-lobbing robbery suspects were killed during an alleged shootout in Quezon City yesterday morning.

One of the slain suspects was identified as Allan Cuevas of Baseco Compound in Tondo, Manila. He was identified through a traffic violation receipt recovered from him.

Cuevas, his slain companion and two other suspects on a motorcycle were allegedly about to rob an establishment along Araneta Avenue when they were seen by Quezon City Police District (QCPD) Station 11 operatives in Barangay Santol at past 8 a.m.

The police officers chased Cuevas and his companion, who were on foot, for 20 minutes. When the suspects were cornered, Cuevas allegedly lobbed a grenade at the pursuing policemen and village watchmen, then shot at them. The grenade did not explode because he failed to pull the pin.

Police Officer 3 Arnel Abbas sustained a gunshot wound in his right arm, while bystander Wenceslao Mantojo was wounded in the stomach. Both were brought to the University of the East-Ramon Magsaysay Mermorial Medical Center (UERMMC) for treatment.

Village watchman Danilo Nogena sustained a gunshot wound in his chest and was in critical condition at the UERMMC yesterday morning. He was among the village watchmen who helped the police run after the suspects.

Superintendent Marcelino Pedrozo Jr., chief of the QCPD’s theft and robbery investigation section, said they will check whether the slain suspects were the ones who robbed dental clinics by posing as patients.

Recovered from Cuevas and the other slain suspect were a .45 caliber pistol and a .9mm revolver.