Gunmen strike anew in Malate

Four armed men shot and wounded a barangay official in front of his house in Malate, Manila on Thursday, a few blocks away from where a rookie policeman was gunned down by suspected robbers.

Investigators are looking into the possibility that the ambush attempt was related to the killing of PO1 Michael Dennis Corpuz on All Souls’ Day.

Police said the victim Noli Caparas, 24, was immediately taken to the Manila Doctor’s Hospital for treatment.

Superintendent Araceli Hofileña, chief of Station 5, said the shooting incident took place in front of Capara’s house located at 1652 Singalong street, near Gen. Malvar street in Malate.

Police said Caparas was inside his house when he heard a commotion outside. When Caparas went outside to check, he was met with gunfire.

After the shooting, the suspects escaped on board a white Toyota Corolla taxi (PWU-168).

Residents in the area called for assistance from the police station while others took the victim to the hospital.

Police are trying to establish whether the attempt on Caparas’ life was connected with the killing of the rookie cop.

Corpuz was on routine patrol last Nov. 2 when he flagged down a taxi with suspicious looking men on board.

As the cop approached the taxi, the occupants shot him.

Investigators suspect that the men inside the taxi were about to pull off a heist but had to abort their plans after the shooting. – Cecille Suerte Felipe