Motorcycle-riding snatcher gunned down by Manila cops

MANILA, Philippines — One of two motorcycle-riding snatchers died after firing at patrolling cops in Malate.

An unidentified foreigner initially complained about their failed attempt to snatch his jewelry and cell phone somewhere in Malate at around 11:25 p.m. last Sept. 26, according to a report from NCRPO.

Upon being apprised of the suspects’ description, police Cpl. Jeffrey Espino and S/Sgt. Aaron Euste of the Malate police station patrolled the area around Taft Avenue and Dagonoy Street where the attempted robbery occurred.

A tip from a barangay official, aided by closed-circuit television footage, helped the policemen locate the suspects – both wearing full-face helmets – at the intersection of Taft and Quirino avenues.

Police were able to block the motorcycle-riding men, but they made a U-turn. The backrider then allegedly pulled out a gun and fired at the police.

Espino shot at them twice, causing them to fall from their motorcycle.

The backrider, identified as 25-year-old John Paul Matias Colonia of Sta. Cruz, Manila, was pronounced dead at the Ospital ng Maynila.

The driver, Christian Obuyes Lindo, 22, and resident of Valenzuela City, sustained a “grazing gunshot wound,” police said.