Teen shot dead for stealing scrap metal

MANILA, Philippines - A teenager caught stealing scrap metal was shot dead by a security guard in a Las Piñas subdivision Wednesday night.

Senior Police Officer 3 Crisando Calalay told The STAR that Gelacio Gagarin Jr., 16, was getting the scrap metal along Jasmin street in TS Cruz subdivision when he was caught by security guard Alberto Luching at around 5 p.m.

Gagarin ran, prompting the guard to chase after him. The teenager was armed with a bolo while the guard had a .9mm pistol, Calalay said.

A witness, Gimel Luto, told police that Luching cornered Gagarin and shot him in the head. Gagarin died at the Ospital ng Muntinlupa at around 8 p.m.

Luching surrendered to the police following the incident.