2 passengers hurt in Caloocan jeepney heist

MANILA, Philippines - Four robbers beat up and shot two passengers during a jeepney robbery in Caloocan City Friday.

Eldhen Benavidez, 21, sustained bullet wounds in the abdomen and in the right arm, while Richard Cariño, 29, has bruises on his chest.

SPO4 Dicoroso Domingo said a passenger jeepney driven by Rolando Salvador, 36, was cruising along Barugo Road in Barangay 176, Bagong Silang when four of his seven passengers announced a heist at around 4:30 a.m.

Armed with a handgun and knives, the suspects threatened to harm the victims, including another passenger, Gina Enosa, 25, as they divested them of their mobile phones and personal belongings.

After gathering the loot, the suspect with a handgun struck Cariño with his weapon in the chest and shot Benavidez twice. Benavidez was hit in the right arm and in the abdomen but her wounds were only superficial, Domingo said.

The suspects fled on foot with P15,000 in cash and valuables.

Salvador brought his wounded passengers to the Dr. Jose Rodriguez Hospital for treatment. Benavidez was allowed to leave the hospital after her wounds were treated.