Robbers kill trader in Marikina

MANILA, Philippines -  A businessman was shot dead while his helper was seriously wounded when they tried to fight off four robbers in Marikina City Saturday.

Meldar Nepomuceno, 58, of Barangay Marikina Heights, was declared dead on arrival at the Amang Rodriguez Medical Center due to a gunshot wound in the chest.

His helper, Raciano de los Angeles, 20, was shot in the back and is being treated at the same hospital.

Nepomuceno and his helper had just finished selling pork and other goods at the Marikina public market when the robbers approached them in front of the victim’s house at around 9 p.m. Saturday.

The robbers ordered Nepomuceno to hand over his bag, but he refused. A scuffle ensued, and one of the robbers shot Nepomuceno and his helper before taking the bag and escaping with his companions, according to Police Officer 3 Bueneres Cruz Jr.