Security officer shoots building exec over 'missing' car

MANILA, Philippines -  A security officer of the Metrowalk mall in Pasig City shot and seriously wounded Monday a building property manager at the height of an argument over the latter’s “missing” luxury vehicle, which turned out to be in another part of the mall parking area.

Miguel Ripoll, 48, property manager of the Strata 100 building, was listed as under observation at the Medical City Hospital due to a gunshot wound in the chest.

Gil Ines, 32, who is in charge of security at the mall, surrendered to responding policemen and gave them his service firearm, a .9mm pistol.

“He (Ripoll) tried to grab my service firearm, which forced me to shoot him,” said Ines, who was interviewed at his detention cell in the Eastern Police District annex building along Meralco Avenue in Barangay Ugong.

Senior Police Officer 2 Sande Baybayon said Ripoll claimed he parked his silver BMW in front of the mall’s administration office at about 2:50 p.m. Monday. He returned after several hours and was surprised to find his car was missing.

Baybayon said Ripoll became angry when he asked Ines about his car and the security officer answered “in the negative.” Ripoll later found his car at the other side of the parking area.

An angry Ripoll confronted Ines again and accused him of transferring his car without his permission. Baybayon said Ines argued that he could not have done so because the car keys are with Ripoll.

According to Baybayon, a heated exchange of words led to a fistfight and a scuffle for possession of Ines’ firearm. When Ines fell to the ground, he pulled out his handgun and opened fire, Baybayon said.

Police are set to file frustrated murder charges against Ines.