Rob suspect slain, cop hurt in grappling for gun

MANILA, Philippines - A policeman was shot in the foot and a suspected robber he was escorting to a police station was killed when they grappled for the lawman’s gun in Tondo, Manila Friday.

Police Officer 2 Marlon Tolentino, detailed at the District Police Intelligence Operations Unit (DPIOU) of the Manila Police District, was treated for a gunshot wound in the left foot at the Mary Johnston Hospital.

The body of robbery suspect, identified by his widow as John Relano, was recovered from the waters under the Infanta Bridge, also in Tondo, the same day.

Tolentino was resting in his house when his neighbors, led by barangay chairman Eric Lacson, sought his assistance following the apprehension of Relano, reportedly one of five men who robbed a passenger jeepney.

Tolentino told investigators that Relano was in handcuffs and bleeding profusely from a head wound after he was beaten by irate residents.

While on the way to the police station on board a barangay multi-cab, Relano reportedly jumped off the vehicle. Tolentino chased the fleeing suspect and caught up with him at the Infanta Bridge. Relano reportedly tried to grab Tolentino’s gun. Seconds later, shots were heard and Relano was seen falling off the bridge into the water below, while Tolentino’s left foot was bleeding.

Investigator SPO2 Benito Cabatbat said the suspect, who was in handcuffs, was shot in the forehead, with the bullet exiting at the back of his head.

Two victims identified the dead suspect as one of five men who robbed them while they were in a passenger jeepney.

DPIOU head Chief Inspector Fernando Opelanio told The STAR that Relano’s widow said she overheard some men asking her husband to join them in robbing the passengers of a jeepney.

Opelanio deployed a team to hunt down the four robbery suspects, based on descriptions furnished by Relano’s widow.