Bus snatcher shot by cops dies in Makati hospital

MANILA, Philippines - The alleged bus snatcher who was shot and wounded by two policemen shortly after robbing a nurse of her gold necklace in Makati City on Tuesday afternoon has died of his wounds, police said on Wednesday.

Makati Police chief, Senior Supt. Jaime Lukban said suspect Danilo Briones, 34, a construction worker of 541 Calbayog St., Mandaluyong City, died while being treated at the Ospital ng Makati at about 11:40 p.m. on Tuesday night.

Police said Briones and his still-unidentified companion allegedly snatched the gold necklace of 24-year old nurse Fina Cecilia Angel while she was seated inside the Baclaran-bound Metrolink bus  along EDSA near Barangay Guadalupe Viejo at about 2:45 p.m.

According to police, the suspects who got off the bus and were about to flee caught the attention of PO1 Moises Aquines of the Mimaropa (Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan) Regional Police Office and PO3 Rosti de Lunas of the Police Protection and Security Group who were also passengers of the bus.

Police said Aquines and De Lunas were about to chase the suspects when Briones’ companion allegedly pulled a handgun and tried to shoot the pursuing policemen. This prompted Aquines to draw his gun and shoot, hitting Briones in his right leg.

Police said a fan knife was recovered from Briones while his unidentified partner escaped with the victim’s necklace.

Lukban said the Makati Police is still tracking down the other suspect.