MANILA, Philippines - One of three suspected robbers died after reportedly trading shots with responding policemen at past midnight yesterday in Sta. Cruz, Manila.
The fatality, who remains unidentified as of press time, was described as between 25 and 30 years old, at least 5’5” tall, slim, and clad in a green t-shirt and denim short pants. A .22 caliber revolver was recovered from his possession.
According to Meisic police station chief Superintendent Rogelio Rosales Jr., an anti-crime unit team composed of SPO1 Albert Tec and POs1 Anthony Fernandez and Ryan Bagadiong were in a police vehicle along Rizal Avenue when they heard a shout for help.
Roderick Gonzales told police that three armed men held him up while he was waiting for a ride at the corner of Soler and Rizal Avenue. He said the suspects took his wallet and cell phone.
The policemen scoured the area and found three suspects. The lawmen told the suspects to give up peacefully, but the suspects reportedly started shooting. Fernandez retaliated and hit one of the suspects, while the other two managed to escape.
Police rushed the wounded suspect to the Gat Andres Bonifacio Medical Center but he died while undergoing treatment.
Gonzales identified the slain suspect as one of three men who robbed him. However, the items taken from him were not recovered and believed to be in the possession of the escaped suspects.
Rosales said he deployed roving policemen along Rizal Avenue in Sta. Cruz due to rampant robberies in the area. – Nestor Etolle