Pasay cop killer dies in hospital

A suspected robber who shot dead a patrol policeman in Pasay City the other day died in a hospital yesterday while undergoing treatment for gunshot wounds he sustained.

Celito Homecillo, 38, of Barangay Rizal in Makati City, died at the intensive care unit of the Pasay City General Hospital.

In an earlier report, police said Homecillo shot dead Senior Police Officer 1 Larry Bernal, of the Southern Police District Mobile Patrol Division, thrice in the chest and abdomen.

Initial investigation showed that Bernal was patrolling along EDSA corner E. Rodriguez street with his colleague, identified as SPO1 Nestor Lasala, on board a patrol vehicle at around 2 a.m. when they spotted Homecillo and an unidentified male companion.

Police said Bernal ran after Homecillo, but was met with gunfire. The policeman was prompted to retaliate.

When the smoke cleared, the policeman was lying bloodied on the pavement while the suspect, who sustained four gunshot wounds in different parts of the body, managed to flag down a taxi to take him to the Makati Medical Center.

After being informed about the incident, operatives from the city police station, led by Superintendent Rolando Torres, responded to the scene.

PO3 Alberto Sombilon said the witnesses positively identified Homecillo as the killer of Bernal.

The suspect’s caliber .38 handgun was found in the back seat of the Six Brothers taxi (PYV-626) driven by Guillermo Magat.

Police said Homecillo was a notorious robber in the area.

As for Bernal, city police chief Senior Superintendent Rosendo Franco said he is set to be honored for his bravery and "ultimate sacrifice in line with duty."