Alleged robbery gang leader kills self

MANILA, Philippines - A man suspected of leading a robbery gang preying on Indian moneylenders in Caloocan City reportedly killed himself when he was cornered by pursuing lawmen Sunday.

City police chief Senior Superintendent Jude Wilson said Edwin Botero, 21, and a companion reportedly robbed Sarabjit Singh, 40, taking P7,000, his cell phone and his blue Honda Wave.

Police officers, led by Senior Police Officer 3 Antonio Paras, and barangay watchmen conducted a follow-up operation along B. Santos street in Maypajo. They said they gave chase when they spotted Botero riding the stolen motorcycle.

Police said Botero managed to run to an abandoned two-story house, and was heard shouting at the lawmen that he would not be caught alive.

The police officers broke down the door, but Botero shot at them and forced them down the stairs. The lawmen waited for the suspect to come out.

Police said with no response from Botero, they opened the door and found the suspect lying on the floor with a gunshot wound in the head. They took him to the nearest hospital, where he was declared dead on arrival.

Police said they suspect Botero committed suicide but took Paras in for investigation.

Santos told The STAR that Paras was disarmed and his service firearm subjected to ballistics examination. Paras also underwent paraffin testing and taken into custody by his superiors.

Santos said they are also awaiting the results of Botero’s autopsy to help them determine whether the suspect committed suicide.

Botero’s group, according to police, is known for robbing their victims then holding the stolen goods for ransom by the same victims.

“When their victims do not bite, the (stolen) motorcycle is sold for as low as P7,000 to P8,000 to ‘interested buyers,’” said Chief Inspector Cresencio Galvez, Caloocan police anti-carjacking and intellligence unit chief.               – Jerry Botial