Manila cops kill 2nd rob suspect in 2 days

MANILA, Philippines - Manila policemen killed another suspected robber in an alleged shootout yesterday, the second such incident in Ermita in as many days.

The suspect was identified as Michael Banto, alias Tisoy, 38, whom police said was engaged in stealing motorized vehicles, parts and accessories.

Homicide investigator Police Officer 3 Jay Santos said Ermita police station anti-crime operatives, led by SPO4 Carlos Chan, were patrolling J.Bocobo street at around 3:25 a.m. when they chanced upon two men on board a motorcycle (NC-1090) going against the flow of traffic. Police flagged down the vehicle but the two men sped away, triggering a car chase that ended at the corner of Mabini and United Nations Avenue.

One of the motorcycle-riding men reportedly drew a gun and traded shots with responding policemen. When the smoke cleared, Banto laid bloodied while his unidentified companion reportedly escaped by boarding a passing passenger jeepney.

Banto was rushed to the Ospital ng Maynila but was declared dead on arrival. Recovered from the slain suspect were a stainless knife, a knapsack containing car accessories and a backpack with mechanical tools and screwdrivers.

On Friday morning, police officers also killed in an alleged shootout a suspected robber victimizing passenger jeepneys traversing Quezon bridge.      – Nestor Etolle