Ex-cop killed for attempted heist

MANILA, Philippines - A policeman dismissed from service was shot dead in a shootout minutes after he allegedly robbed an “ukay-ukay” or used clothes shop of P5,000 in Marikina City yesterday.

Chief Superintendent Benjardi Mantele, director of the Eastern Police District (EPD) said Clemente Abines Jr., who held the rank of Police Officer 2, died on the spot from gunshot wounds in the head and body.

Mantele said Abines’ last assignment was with the Northern Samar Provincial Police Office prior to his dismissal from the police service on Feb. 11, 2009.

In his report to Mantele, Marikina police chief Senior Superintendent Romeo Magsalos said Abines initially pretended to be a customer at the used clothes shop in Barangay Sta. Elena, but drew a gun as he approached Muriel Khita, 29, and robbed her of P5,000.

Khita ran after Abines, shouting for help. She caught the attention of the police. Thinking that a bank in front of Khita’s store was being robbed, police officers from Marikina’s Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) unit responded and cornered Abines, who failed to commandeer a tricycle in his bid to escape.

Abines shot at the policemen, hitting SPO2 Rosauro Valenzuela in the hand. SWAT police officers retaliated, killing Abines on the spot.