Robber shot dead in Marikina

A rookie policeman shot dead a suspected robber yesterday and arrested another while they were in the act of robbing passengers of a jeepney in Marikina City.

PO1 Leonilo Lionso, 30, of the Special Action Force (SAF) assigned in Botolan, Zambales, drew his caliber 9mm automatic pistol and opened fire at the robbers who were divesting passengers of their cash and important belongings.

The unidentified robber sustained four gunshot wounds in the body and died on the spot. His two companions jumped off the vehicle upon realizing the presence of Lionso.

However, Lionso arrested one of the robbers, Richard de Leon, 23, after a brief chase.

Superintendent Romeo Abaring, acting Marikina City police chief said the three robbers got into a passenger jeepney in Cubao, Quezon City and positioned themselves in three corners of the vehicle.

The jeepney was bound for Antipolo City.

When the vehicle reached Marcos Highway at the boundary of Antipolo and Quezon City, the three men took out their fan knives and announced a heist.

At knifepoint, the suspects divested the passengers of their cash, cellphones and important belongings.

The trio failed to notice the presence of Lionso who was bidding for time to thwart the robbery, Abaring said.

While the three robbers were busy with his fellow passengers, Lionso took out his firearm, and identified himself as a policeman.

However, one of the robbers lunged at him, prompting him to open fire.

De Leon and another companion jumped out of the vehicle leaving behind their loot.

After a brief chase, De Leon surrendered to Lionso.

Abaring said the third robber, who boarded a passing vehicle bound for Antipolo City, was hurt. — Non Alquitran