2 dead, 1 hurt in 'vigilante' attack

MANILA, Philippines - Members of a suspected vigilante group attacked three suspected robbers in Manila Friday night, killing two and wounding the third, police said yesterday.

According to police, alleged Commando Gang member Edwin Libria, 24; and suspected “jumper boys” Jayson Baculanta, 21, and Jerry Naredo, 19, were reportedly waiting for possible victims along Road 10 in Tondo when several men approached them and started shooting at around 6:45 p.m.

Libria died on the spot, Baculanta was declared dead on arrival at the Gat Andres Bonifacio Hospital, while Naredo is listed as in critical condition.

Lorna Basilan, who was passing through the area, was hit by a stray bullet. She was sent home after being treated at the hospital.

Senior Police Officer 2 Ronald Gallo said the victims were members of a notorious robbery gang and moonlit as “jumper boys” in Port Area, stealing goods and merchandise from vehicles passing through Road 10.

It was not clear who killed the three, but there have been reports that vigilantes are actively killing criminals in Manila.

Several bodies of suspected summary execution victims have been found in different areas of the city, particularly in Tondo, in recent months.