Ex-convict ‘shoots it out’ with police, is shot dead

CEBU, Philippines - An ex-convict was shot dead by the police after he allegedly tried to shoot it out with them while trying to escape Thursday night in Barangay Mabolo, Cebu City.

Reymark Ybañez, 19, died immediately of gunshot wounds to his head, chest and left arm. He was released a month ago from the Cebu City Jail after he was convicted for robbery charges.

Inspector Gomersendo Mandawe, deputy chief of City Intelligence Branch, said they were conducting foot patrol at Ayala Access Road at past 10 p.m.  when they were informed about an armed person in the area.

The informant pointed where Ybañez was standing and the police officers proceeded to the area and introduced themselves to the suspect.

They were approaching Ybañez when the latter immediately ran away towards the interior and dark portion of Ayala Access Road and hid.

CIB operatives searched for him in the dark alley when they heard a ticking sound apparently from a firearm.

One of the police officers reportedly saw Ybañez shot at them but his gun misfired.

Sensing that their lives were in danger, the police officers fired back at the suspect and hit him multiple times, resulting to his death.

“Paltik siguro to’ng armas niya kay wala man nakabuto. Maayo na lang wala nakabuto kay kung nahitabo pa, mura’g naa gyu’y maigo sa sakop nato” said Mandawe.

Homicide investigators recovered a cal. 38 revolver with six bullets, three of which were those that allegedly misfired.

Mandawe said they searched for Ybañez’ record after the incident and found out that he was in CIB’s watchlist of criminal persons.

Ybañez was said to be involved in the series of jeepney robberies in the area even after he was released from jail. — Bryner L. Diaz/NSA (FREEMAN)