Face to face shootout: Cop, holdup man slain

A policeman and an alleged holdup man died early yesterday in a fierce face to face shootout inside a cruising passenger jeepney in Sampaloc, Manila causing injuries to two other passengers, including a 10-year-old schoolgirl.

SPO2 Nolie Libuit and Leo Masaway traded gunshots as their co-passengers jumped off in panic from the jeepney cruising Lerma towards España street at around 5:30 a.m. Both died of multiple gunshot wounds at the Santo Tomas University Hospital (STUH).

Those wounded were grade three pupil Alpha Ablao and STUH nurse aid Evelyn Pascual. Ablao had a gunshot wound in the right elbow while Pascual is in critical condition for head injuries she sustained from jumping off the moving passenger jeep.

Investigation showed Libuit of the Intelligence Group based in Camp Crame, resisted a holdup attempt by Masaway, 26, and a companion, leading to a scuffle for his gun and later to a close gun duel. Both then slumped bloodied and atop each other on the jeepney's floor.

Libuit sustained two stab wounds and three gunshot wounds in the body. Masaway, on the other hand, bore four gunshot wounds, including one in the nape.

Western Police District (WPD) Homicide unit investigators said the holdup men wanted to rob the lawman, then in civilian attire, when they boarded the Quezon City-bound jeepney (TVA-599) in Quiapo.

WPD investigator Police Officer 3 Joselito de Ocampo said Libuit, of Muntinlupa City, was wearing a thick gold bracelet and necklace, which may have been what the suspects wanted. The suspects seated themselves beside and in front of Libuit and before long other passengers saw the policeman grappling with the suspect beside him for possession of a gun.

De Ocampo said the still unidentified holdup man on the opposite side stabbed Libuit twice in the left side of his body and several gunshots were soon heard. At this point, the passengers and the driver jumped off, said the police. Ablao, who was seated beside the policeman was not able to escape.-- With Nestor Etolle