Teen killed, 2 wounded in Malabon shootout

Manila, Philippines - A 12-year-old boy died while an alleged robber and a motorist were wounded during a shootout between a police officer and three motorcycle-riding gunmen in Malabon City on Friday afternoon.

Senior Inspector Gregorio Catacutan, city police investigation chief, identified the fatality as Torry Maiso, 12, a resident of Barangay Catmon.

Suspected robber Rexie Mercader, 28, a resident of Navotas City is still confined at the Tondo Medical Center due to a gunshot wound in the stomach while motorist Jose Cruz, 61, of Barangay Panghulo in Malabon, was hit by a stray bullet in the left leg.

Catacutan said that Police Officer 1 Dan Perry Rumbawa, 32, assigned at the Navotas City police station anti-narcotics unit, was driving his motorcycle heading to Valenzuela City when his path was blocked by three men on a motorcycle along M. H. del Pilar street in Barangay Tinajeros in Malabon City.

The suspects took out their handguns as Rumbawa stopped and announced a heist. Not losing his composure, the police officer drew his service firearm but was immediately fired upon by the suspects.

Rumbawa managed to hide behind a parked vehicle while shooting back at the suspects. After the exchange of gunfire, Mercader was found slumped on the road with a gunshot wound in the abdomen.

Maiso, who was looking for scrap materials near the crime scene was hit by a stray bullet and died on the way to the Malabon City hospital, Catacutan said.

Cruz, who was passing by the area, was also hit by a stray bullet. The two other gunmen escaped on board their motorcycle empty-handed.

Police Community Precinct 4 personnel led by Senior Inspector Romulo Mabborang recovered from Mercader a .38 caliber handgun loaded with three shells and a bullet.

At least 16 cartridges from still undetermined caliber of weapons were recovered at the crime scene, Catacutan said.

Rumbawa surrendered with his .9mm service pistol to the Malabon City police. Investigators have yet to establish who fired the shots that killed Maiso.