Rob suspect slain by 2 undercover cops

MANILA, Philippines - A man was shot dead by two police officers he allegedly tried to rob in a jeepney in Barangay Pasong Putik in Fairview, Quezon City yesterday morning.

Quezon City Police District (QCPD) director Chief Superintendent Mario dela Vega said the area where the robbery occurred is near the site where Philippine Military Academy cadet Alfonso Aviles was hurt when he foiled a jeepney robbery.

In a report, QCPD Station 5 commander Superintendent Virgilio Fabian said yesterday’s encounter happened at past 9 a.m., with SPO3 Wahab Mangundacan and PO2 Conery Corillo then in the jeepney.

The two policemen – both from the QCPD Station 5 – were in civilian clothes while on patrol following orders from Dela Vega to address jeepney robberies in the area.

On the way to Regalado Avenue, the suspect drew his .45 caliber handgun, declared the heist and grabbed a passenger’s bag. According to Fabian, Mangundacan and Corillo were supposed to be the next ones to be divested of their belongings.

They identified themselves as policemen, but instead of surrendering, the suspect allegedly started shooting prompting the policemen to retaliate.

The slain man was said to be dark-skinned, tall and muscular. QCPD deputy director for administration Senior Superintendent Joel Pagdilao said the suspect resembles the robber who shot Aviles in August, but they have yet to ask witnesses and compare bullets from the two incidents.