Robbers gun down rookie cop in Malate

A rookie police officer was shot dead by four suspected robbers who were about to pull off a heist in Malate, Manila on All Souls’ Day.

Police Officer 1 Michael Dennis Corpuz, 32, assigned to the Sta. Monica Police Community Precinct died while he was being taken to the Opsital ng Manila. He had multiple gunshots in the body.

Western Police District (WPD) director Chief Superintendent Pedro Bulaong ordered all 11 police station commanders in Manila yesterday to further strengthen the all-out war against all forms of criminality.

A furious Bulaong told his men to conduct a follow-up operation, saying Corpuz’s killers "must be arrested, prosecuted and placed behind bars."

The WPD chief also tapped the Sekretas, an elite unit of WPD detectives, to go after criminal elements preying on the citizenry, especially now that the holiday season is fast approaching.

"Criminality is likely to rise as Christmas is just around the corner. Therefore, all station commanders must see to it that their respective areas of responsibility is quiet and peaceful," WPD spokesperson Chief Inspector Gerry Agunod said.

Investigation conducted by SPO2 Danilo Vidad showed that the shooting took place at around 9:30 p.m. last Sunday.

Vidad said Corpuz was conducting a routine patrol in Malate on board his scooter when he spotted several suspicious-looking men inside a taxi.

Corpuz was approaching the taxi when the occupants opened fire at him.

When the gunmen took off, bystanders rushed the rookie cop to the hospital.