2 men shot for helping rob victim

MANILA, Philippines - Two men were shot in Las Piñas City while trying to help a businesswoman whose house was robbed by armed men yesterday morning.

City police chief Senior Superintendent Romeo Sapitula said Leonilo Mallari and Renato Reyes are in critical condition at the Perpetual Help Medical Center.

Police said the shooting took place at SMK compound near Uniwide mall at past 10:30 a.m. after a certain Cel Torres sought the victims’ help in going after suspects Renato Rearte, Rechie Hermio, and one unidentified cohort who escaped.

The three allegedly broke into her house in Barangay Pamplona Tres and carted away more than P100,000 worth of cash and valuables.

Police said Torres tailed the robbers until she saw Mallari and Reyes and asked for help. “(Mallari and Reyes) chased the suspects, however they were shot,” police said.

Rearte and Rechie were later arrested. Lawmen seized a .38 caliber handgun from the suspects, who are detained at the local police headquarters.