Robber slain in Sta. Cruz shootout

MANILA, Philippines - A robber was shot dead in an alleged shootout with Manila Police District (MPD) policemen in Sta. Cruz, Manila before dawn yesterday.

Senior Police Officer 2 Virgo Villareal said the unidentified robber died on the spot from five gunshot wounds in the body. His three accomplices fled on two motorcycles.

The report stated that waiter Ricky Roque, 29, and tricycle driver Jerome Balendo, 32, were riding a motorcycle near the San Lazaro Hospital when four men on two motorcycles blocked their path at the corner of Quiricada street and Rizal Avenue at around 3:30 a.m.

One of the robbers drew out a handgun while the other tried to grab Roque’s shoulder bag. Policemen from the MPD Station 5, led by SPO3 Rowell Robles, saw the victims being robbed and rushed to help.

One of the robbers shot at the lawmen, who retaliated and killed him on the spot, according to the report. Police recovered a homemade .38 caliber revolver and Roque’s shoulder bag from the slain robber.