Rob suspect slain in Tondo shootout

MANILA, Philippines - One of three men who allegedly prey on “viajeros” or traders was killed in an alleged shootout with Manila policemen in Tondo before dawn yesterday.

“We are sending a strong message to criminals that they are doomed here in Manila, and unless they leave the city they are bound to be wiped out,” Jose Abad Santos police station chief Superintendent Remigio Sedanto said.

Sedanto said his men, led by Chief Inspector Emerey Abating, were patrolling crime-prone Jose Abad Santos Avenue when they spotted three suspicious-looking men on board a green tricycle at around 3 a.m. When Abating stopped the tricycle, the man behind the driver drew a gun, which jammed when the suspect tried to shoot.

The police officers drew their service firearms and shot the armed man. The wounded man fell from the motorcycle as his two companions sped away.

Recovered from the slain suspect, who was described as between 25 and 30 years old, at least five feet tall and heavily tattooed, was a .38 caliber revolver with four bullets.

Sedanto said his men encountered the suspects, who reportedly rob traders on their way to Divisoria. 

Yesterday’s shootout was the second in a week involving suspected criminals. On Thursday, police killed two suspected “Sako Gang” members who reportedly use a sako or sack to collect the loot from the jeepney passengers they robbed in Sta.Cruz, Manila.

Manila Police District director Chief Superintendent Rodolfo Magtibay has directed his men to conduct a massive drive against robbers in preparation for the opening of classes.