Guard hurt in Alabang mall heist dies

MANILA, Philippines - The security guard wounded in a failed armored van robbery in Alabang Town Center Friday died Saturday, police said yesterday.

Elmo Toreda of the Gallantry Security Agency “did not survive the operation” and passed away at 1:15 p.m. Saturday, said Chief Inspector Giovanni Martinez, quoting the medical report of Alabang Medical Center.

Martinez, city police intelligence chief, said a .45 caliber bullet entered the lower part of Toreda’s chest and “damaged his liver.”

Toreda and fellow guard Elmer Tagol foiled the robbery perpetrated by Venancio Pioquinto and two other robbers. Pioquinto and Tagol were killed while Pioquinto’s companions escaped.