1 killed, 2 nabbed over foiled Pasig heist

MANILA, Philippines - Police shot dead a suspected armed robber during a firefight in Muntinlupa City, the National Capital Region Police Office said on Thursday.

Authorities said Rodel Margallo Dela Tore, believed to be a member of the bolt cutter robbery syndicate, was killed during a shootout with policemen during a follow up operation in Bayanan, Muntinlupa.

Meanwhile, police also arrested Dela Tore's companions--Silvio Janiola Ligas, 45; and Rodello Santiago Lopez, 42.

The three men were believed to be responsible for the attempted robbery of Cubea Internet Shop located along Pasig Boulevard Extension in Brgy. Caniogan last March 29.

“Ang ganitong kaso ay isang patunay na ang ugnayang ng mamamayan at ng pulisya ay mabisang hakbang sa pagsugpo ng kriminalidad. Ipagpatuloy natin ang pagmamatyag," NCRPO Police Director Leonardo Espina said.

Reports showed that a witness saw a suspicious van (UDM-934) parked in front of Cubea Internet Shop. He also saw three unidentified men cut the padlock of the computer shop, which he reported to police.

During a pursuit operation, Pasig City policemen spotted the van in Moriones, Tondo, Manila.

Policemen tried to flag down the vehicle but the van sped up,  prompting the policemen to chase the suspects.

Upon reaching Bayanan, Muntinlupa City, suspects fired upon the police operatives, a firefight, killing Dela Torre.

Authorities recovered from the scene two loaded cal. 38 revolvers loaded, three fired cartridge case; a loaded cal. 22 revolver loaded and a bolt cutter. - Dennis Carcamo